axolotl is like a salamander that did not fully develop.. so their cells in the body are somewhat like a stem cell. If you give iodine to axolotl, it will metamorphosize into salamander. read more
The axolotl (/ ˈ æ k s ə l ɒ t əl /, from Classical Nahuatl: āxōlōtl [aːˈʃoːloːtɬ] ( listen)) also known as a Mexican salamander (Ambystoma mexicanum) or a Mexican walking fish, is a neotenic salamander, closely related to the tiger salamander. read more
The short story "Axolotl" by Julio Cortázar follows the magical transformation of the narrator into an axolotl--an amphibious creature (known as the "Mexican walking fish") which does not undergo metamorphosis and originates in Mexico City in Lake Xochimilco. read more