Axolotl eyesight

L

leighton

Guest
I understand that axolotls find their food mostly by 'scent' (following some chemical gradient in the water), but how much/far/clearly can they see?

Ours appear to be able to spot us coming near the tanks, even if there is no shadow being cast directly on the tank, as they'll come over to investigate (probably associating us with food). I assume they can at least distinguish 'big dark thing' from 'no big dark thing'.

Our two also seem to show some temptingly cute behaviour. It may be coincidence, but... Our lotls have a tank each, with about a two inch gap between them. Quite often, they can be seen apparently looking at each other across this gap. I, as a human, can see through both tanks end-to-end, but is axolotl eyesight good enough for this? Even if it is, they never showed 'affectionate' or social behaviour when they were in the same tank. Both tanks have their filters at the junction between the tanks, so mabe it's just the flow... but...

Another thing that Peely does is sit at the very opposite corner from the filter, 'looking' out into the room at large, and her head will follow movement. She's just done it now, when Jen came in the room. One day I'll have to watch this properly to see if it's not just wishful thinking on our parts.
 
Mine recognize when someone's over their tank, and will come to visit every time. I dont think they can see as well as we can, but can see vague shapes from across the room. Mine follow me around whenever i'm near.
 
Both my axies come up to the glass when i walk in my room... there tank is over 8 foot away from the door... and no shaddow will appear over the tank.

When sitting at my PC which is opposite there tank they will also come and sit 'with me' they come and see what im doing almost then leave when they dont get food.

But on the other hand... when either being put back in to the tank or bubbling around they often fly straight into things in the tank... appently not seeing them... maybe they care long sighted lol
 
you probably wouldnt have great up-close vision either if your eyes were on either side of your head.
 
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Jiggly has both eyes on one side of her head
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I have to make the comment "I know a lot of people with supposed 20/20 vision who cant she the wood for the trees". Don`t we Kaysie, mentioning no names what so ever.
 
I'd also accept the alternative explanation of "axolotls just aren't very bright", Jeff ;) (nice avatar BTW)
 
Not sure what the quality of axie vision is really like some say its good some say its poor.

Given that eyes are on side of the head not front facing like a predator I would guess their vision isnt the best. I think they certainly are capable of some distinction because they seem to recognise our shapes when we approach the tank or perhaps that's just a learned feeding response.
 
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