There are high chances of these invasive operations leading to defects like blindness and disfigurement. So, you may also find this different colored GFP patch on the abdomen, face, and even eyes. However, nowadays, sellers/creators are experimenting further. Of course, they still have basic axolotl traits like a smiling face, broad head, eel-like body, small legs, and fin-like external gills. Appearanceįirefly axolotls are primarily dark-colored wild-type axolotls with a glowing green fluorescent protein albino tail, resembling the luminescence of fireflies. This leads to deformities, and, in some cases, the second axolotl is discarded after the tail is taken.įurthermore, these surgeries are solely for cosmetic purposes – and not for research. However, they are given no pain relief after the surgery. They are subjected to surgeries using anesthesia to produce fireflies. But these new producers are experimenting on young axolotls, i.e., after they’ve hatched. Strohl conducted the experiments in a painless way before they’ve even hatched. However, the practices of creating firefly axolotls in the current times have raised ethical concerns. This created a market niche for others who have discovered alternative methods to breed them. Regrettably, despite Lloyd Strohl II ceasing production of fireflies after his research, the demand for these unique axolotls has continued. The controversy lies in their artificial creation through scientific experimentation. This fusion occurs painlessly during the embryonic stage, ensuring the axolotls don’t feel discomfort. These axolotls are a result of merging embryos, not by cutting and attaching tails, as the myth suggests. Hence, they were also called Strohl’s Herptiles. Brief Historyįirefly axolotls were first created by scientist Lloyd Strohl II. This rare and expensive axolotl variation was initially bred for research on the distribution of melanocytes in axolotls, particularly in mosaic axolotls. It involves swapping the tail sections of two individuals (aka skin grafting) during embryonic development.ĭeveloped in a laboratory, this axolotl has a dark body and a light-colored tail that glows gently under blue or black lighting due to the Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) albino tail, which led to its name. What are Firefly Axolotls?Ī firefly axolotl is a unique morph created through artificial means. Note: If you plan to bring this cute buddy home, definitely check out our comprehensive axolotl care guide.
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