How to Draw an Axolotl

In this quick tutorial you'll learn how to draw an Axolotl in 9 easy steps - great for kids and novice artists.

The images above represent how your finished drawing is going to look and the steps involved.

Below are the individual steps - you can click on each one for a High Resolution printable PDF version.

At the bottom you can read some interesting facts about the Axolotl.

Make sure you also check out any of the hundreds of drawing tutorials grouped by category.

How to Draw an Axolotl - Step-by-Step Tutorial

Step 1: The Axolotl is a type of amphibian that looks like a Salamander…let's draw one! Start with a 'U' shape at a small angle. Add a tiny line at the bottom for the mouth.

Step 3: Let's add the unique gills. Draw several long lines out that point at the end, like tentacles. Then, add small lines throughout each stem. This animal cannot breathe air, so the gills have to stay underwater at all times for it to breathe.

Step 7: Add the first hind leg by making a another small tube shape, but this time, add 5 smaller toes at the end.

Step 9: Lastly, add a big leaf shape outside of the tail for the fin of the Axolotl, and you're done! You can yellow for the body and head. The gills are bright red.

Interesting Facts about the Axolotl

The Axolotl is a very unusual type of amphibian that also goes by the name Mexican Salamander or Mexican Walking Fish. As you may have guessed from the alternate names, this creature is a salamander that became fully grown without going through complete metamorphosis. They never develop their lungs so that they can travel onto land, and instead keep their gills and remain underwater.

Did you know?

• The axolotls are very often researched by scientists because they have the ability to regenerate their limbs.
• Axolotls were a large part of the Aztecs diets, a very long time ago as well as being sold in Mexican food markets at one point.
• Adult axolotls are between 14 and 45 cm long.
• The most common length for the axolotl is 23cm.
• Their eyes have no eyelids!
• Their main form of eating is by sucking nutrients rather than chewing its food, since it’s teeth aren’t fully developed.

Since 2010 these strange salamanders were very near extinction due to the urbanization of Mexico City, where they originate from, which has led to pollution of the waters. In 2013 research showed that there are no longer any surviving axolotl left in the wild.