Lake Xochimilco, Mexico City, Mexico

Mexico, Mexico City, Xochimilco

This aquarium recreates the shallow, plant-filled freshwater canals of Xochimilco – the last remaining natural habitat of the critically endangered Axolotl Ambystoma mexicanum. Inspired by the slow-moving, murky waters shaded by native willow and aquatic vegetation, the setup mimics the cool, oxygen-rich conditions with submerged driftwood, and fine silt substrates. The tank reflects the delicate balance of this urban wetland, where amphibians and native plants survive amidst growing human impact. My motivation was to highlight the fragility of this ecosystem while offering a naturalistic refuge for the Axolotl.

Submitted by: Shivansh Rajpoot
Approved by: Michael Köck, Jairo Arroyave & Juan M. Artigas Azas

GPS: 19.2891579, -99.1017532

Geographical region: Central America
Drainage Basin: Lerma–Santiago Basin
River catchment: Lake Xochimilco Sub-basin
Water body type: Lake
Water body name: Lake Xochimilco
Water body part: Marsh land
Water body course: Middle course
Water body: tributary of
Tributary name

Videos above and below water

Water Chemistry

Water information

Water type: fresh-water
Water color: Clear water
Water transparency: High
Concentration of sediments: Low
Water temperature: 22 °C
Water flow/curent: Slow

Chemical parameters

pH: 7.5
Conductivity: 100
GH: 60 mg/l
dGH
KH: 30 mg/l
dKH
Dissolved Oxygen: 85 %

Bibliography

Oxford University Press - The Biology of the Axolotl by Griffiths, Richard A.
ISBN 978-0198540624

Bulletin of the Museum of Comparative Zoology - Natural history, ecology, and evolution of the axolotl by Shaffer, H.B.

Comment by the expert

Michael Köck: I must admit that evaluating this aquarium was the most difficult task for me. I know that it may seem a little arrogant when a judge awards few or, as in this case, no points at all for certain categories, so I will now provide a more detailed explanation. The description of the natural habitat is not reflected in the aquarium in any detail. The volcanic origin, which could have been imitated with a little volcanic rock, was not achieved with large round stones. Underwater vegetation, which does occur, is emphasized in the habitat description, and plays an important role in the axolotl’s habitat, was completely omitted. The lighting situation was missed and – which is an absolute no-go for me – the albino variant of an axolotl hybrid was used. Almost all axolotls on the market are hybrids, including all color variants, and it is admittedly difficult, but not impossible, to obtain proven homozygous animals. At the very least, a wild-colored variant should have been used, in fact, it should have been. Improvements could have been made by dimming the lighting, adding muddy substrate, underwater vegetation with cleverly placed organic material (roots, branches) as hiding places, and at least one wild-colored variant as stock, which would have made it possible to overlook the fact that it was a hybrid. This would have significantly improved the result. Unfortunately, the aquarium largely misses the mark, which, given the quality of other entries, does not allow for a top result.

Jairo Arroyave: While this BAM includes a beautiful specimen of the iconic axolotl, the rest of it is in my opinion very bare bones and hardly reproduces the complexity and intricacy of this biotope. Hence my rather low scores.

Juan M. Artigas Azas: I found the aquarium perfect to keep axolotl.