thumb|alt=A green salamander with four short legs|The axolotl is a neotenous salamander, often retaining gills throughout its life.
tHumb|alt=a GREeN salamAndEr witH four shoRt LeGS|the axolotl Is a NeotENoUS SaLaMAnDeR, ofTEn reTaIning GIllS thRoughoUt iTS liFe.