Axolotl Vision: [Everything About Axolotl’s Eyesight]

Axolotls are not like us, their way of the world is much different than a typical pet. Have you ever wondered about the magical world of axolotls and how they perceive their watery surroundings? I’m sure a lot of curiosity persists. “Do they see at night? Or “Are they blind?” – such questions have become normal.

Axolotls, as a matter of fact, are not blind. They are capable of sight. However, their vision is far from perfect and is worse than humans and other animals since they can’t look too far away, and often what they see is blurry. But nature has compensated for them in the form of better night vision to see in the dark and amazing survival instincts.

In this blog post, we’re going to dive deep into the topic of Axolotl’s vision, exploring how these adorable amphibians see the world around them. Join me, as we’ll explore reasons for their peculiar eyesight, and uncover how they compensate for it using their other sensational senses. Get ready to be amazed as we unravel the enigma of Axolotl’s vision.

Are Axolotls Blind?

Axolotls are most definitely not blind. But it’s just that they have reduced eyesight. They don’t see as clearly as we do, but they can still detect light and movement. But you know what’s super cool? Axolotls have other ways to sense their surroundings, like using their sense of smell and feeling vibrations in the water with special organs. So even though their vision isn’t top-notch, they’ve got some awesome backup senses to help them navigate.

Can Axolotl See In The Dark?

Axolotls have rod cells in their eyes, this helps their vision at low light conditions and is the reason they can see at night. This is an advantage for them as axolotls are nocturnal creatures that are most active at night. But in the daytime, these rod cells work against them since what’s regular lighting for us causes glare for them.

How Much Can An Axolotl See?

When it comes to the world of vision, axolotls don’t quite make the cut for being the champions of clarity. Their eyesight, while functional, falls short compared to the precision of human or certain animal eyes. It’s like wearing slightly foggy goggles all the time. 

But don’t worry about them, while their vision isn’t something to brag about, Axolotl compensate it with their exceptional sense of smell and navigation that is effective even in water. So even if they can’t see too far, their ability to detect vibrations helps them steer clear of their predators.

Why Do Axolotls Have Poor Eyesight?

It’s really saddening to hear axolotls have poor eyesight. But, what is the cause? That’s what I’m gonna uncover today. Many people have this notion that due to living in dark and muddy areas, axolotls never had the chance to develop good eyesight. 

Some also think since they move around a lot they never seem to get a good look at their surroundings. But that’s far from the truth, while it is a minor factor, genetics is a bigger culprit.

First of all, the axolotl’s eyes play a significant role in their limited visual capabilities. With smaller eyes compared to other animals, they can only take in a reduced amount of incoming light, impacting their visual perception.

Due to having a limited number of rod and cone cells in their eyes, although they are capable of vision, they don’t see stuff in fine detail. But having lived in murky areas, they also don’t need to.

Although axolotls don’t have eyelids, they have this thin layer in front of their eyes that serves as protection. But while it protects the eyes, it also affects their clarity.

Another cruelty of nature is their eyes are positioned on the sides, this makes it hard for them to see what’s in front of them, let alone focus. 

While they don’t have traditional eyelids, they do have a nictitating membrane, which people also refer to as the “third eyelid”. This helps the axolotl underwater, but again, diminishes the eyesight of the axolotl when out in the light.

If that wasn’t enough, their eyes also have a reflective layer. Now this layer is exactly why they can see in low-light conditions. But, what helps them see in darker areas, will serve as the reason for glare when they’re out in fully lighted areas.

So, you can see that nature hasn’t been really kind to them in this regard. But doesn’t this make you wanna cheer for them even more?

How Do Axolotls Find Food With Poor Vision?

Axolotls may have a less-than-perfect vision, but that doesn’t stop them from finding their next tasty meal! These fascinating creatures have developed alternative ways to locate food despite their visual limitations.

First off, axolotls have an incredible olfactory system, which is just a fancy way of saying they have an awesome sense of smell. 

Their noses (or rather, their nostrils) are their trusty guides when it comes to sniffing out food. They can detect the subtlest scents wafting through the water, helping them zero in on potential prey.

But that’s not all. Axolotls also possess a remarkable lateral line system. This system allows them to sense vibrations in the water, kind of like how we feel vibrations through the floor when music is playing loud. 

With this superpower, axolotls can detect movement in their surroundings, including the ripples and disturbances caused by potential food sources. It’s like having built-in radar to track down their next meal.

So, even though their vision might not be razor-sharp, axolotls rely on their keen sense of smell and the ability to detect vibrations in the water to successfully find their food. 

These unique sensory systems are part of what makes axolotls such incredible hunters.

 Why Do Some Axolotls Have No Eyes?

I have a hunch you were scratching your head when I said axolotls could see, but you’re not telling me. If that’s the case and you encountered an axie that had no eyes, then please know that it’s not normal. An axolotl without eyes is a genetic mutation, not the natural order. It’s out of the ordinary for the world of axolotls. 

So, if you’ve found one like that, please make sure it’s loved and cared for. Fortunately, there have been ongoing studies and researchers were able to graft eyes on them. Let’s just hope it becomes a full-fledged operation soon,

How to improve Axolotl’s eyesight?

I’m sure knowing the sorry state of Axolotl’s eyes has struck a chord with you, and you feel like helping. Unfortunately, there isn’t much we can do. However, that doesn’t mean we can’t help them at all.

Here are some tips that will at least maximize the efficiency of your axolotl’s vision:

1. Increase the temperature of the water in the tank, this makes it easier for light to penetrate the water. Not too much so that glare issues happen but enough to see their surroundings better. 
2. If glare is an issue, try using light bulbs that you can control. This way you can make sure of the right amount of exposure.
3. Using red lights or a dimmer is a great method for controlled light exposure.
4. Add plants. They do a tremendous job of filtering the water, which makes it clearer for the axie to see.
5. Another cool and easy trick would be to reposition your tank in a way that light reaches the tank easier.
6. Feeding your axolotl with rich food will improve their eyesight. You’ll find another blog post about it on this site.
7. Try giving them eye drops to keep their eyes in good health. This one might be a little exhausting if you have multiple axolotls.

So these are some methods by which you can help your axolotl’s vision.

Read Also: Do Axolotls Need Light in Their Tank?

Frequently Asked Questions

Parting Words

In conclusion, delving into the world of axolotl vision has unveiled a captivating tale of adaptation and sensory prowess. While axolotls may not possess the sharpest eyesight, they have developed remarkable compensatory mechanisms. Through their extraordinary sense of smell and the ability to detect vibrations in the water, these enchanting creatures navigate their aquatic domain and locate prey with finesse. 

Axolotls remind us that nature is full of surprises, showcasing the ingenuity of evolution. The wonders of Axolotl’s vision continue to inspire awe and deepen our appreciation for the diversity of life beneath the water’s surface.