Can axolotl see

[juwuls]

just been to the aquarium centre and they told me that they cant see is this true

 

[hacelepues]

This is false. Axolotls can see. Their vision just isn't the best. I'd imagine things are more of a blur for them but bright lights will bother them! They also rely on movement to know what's going on, so I'm sure it's a combination of vision and movement that helps them stare directly at me and follow me around the room with their gaze!

They make me think of the Julio Cortázar story with the way they just stare...

 

[nwmnnaturalist]

Axolotl can indeed see, though ones that are albino (not to be confused with leucistic) can have problems seeing (which has to do with the pigment development in the eyes). Some axolotl can have vision problems due to other genetic variations.

This person may have confused cave-type relatives of the Axolotl that have lost their ability to see.

 

[juwuls]

was hoping he was wrong as i did wonder if they could not see why would they be aware of light didnt really like him as he was saying a lot of people bring them back as they are bored with them got the impression he didnt like them much he was quite ignorant aswell as i was trying to get information about them and his mobile kept going off and he would just cut me short and answer it deffo wont be going back there such a pity as it was very close to home

 

[nwmnnaturalist]

Well, you can always print off some good information and give it to them to read up. There are always opportunities to educate people.

 

[Chirple]

Definitely can see !

I feed my golden albino pellets and sometimes she misses them when I drop them in - but if I hold my finger up to the glass, she'll follow it (I "point at" the pellet so that she discovers it while trying to get to my finger).

Heck, even when I'm a few feet away from the tank, she recognises that food-bringer is coming and gets excited.

 

[yellowpebble]

i have seen on the forum a few places that they can see basic shapes by sensing light, being mole salamanders they only have rudimentary eyes. They can see but it is very basic, moving shapes and light and dark, i think that's about all.

 

[juwuls]

only had her a few days and no sure if she can see doesnt follow me and when fed yesterday didnt seem to notice the fish till put right in front of her will probably know in a few week better dont really care though she is cute anyway

 

[olivia newt]

Andersoni can sure see. They follow me around the tank and catch chopped worms when I throw them in. They see me across the room.:happy:

 

[LeFarge]

andersoni miss nothing! they are the ninja assassins of the axolotl world, ours are always poised for action!