GFP stands for Green Fluorescent Protein, and GFP Axolotl is a genetic modification of salamander that contains green fluorescent proteins.
This modification is done to the mitochondria, a cell’s power plant, by adding GFP into particular cells of the GFP axolotls so that they can be more easily seen and counted in an imaging experiment.
These animals are not green in color, but they are very bright because of their GFP genes.
The GFP axolotl is a very interesting animal. It’s one of the most popular animals for research labs because it glows under ultraviolet light, making it easy for scientists to observe its development without interfering with or harming the animal.
These creatures are also used to study regeneration, as they have a rare ability to regrow body parts and limbs that get damaged or lost.
Characteristics of the GFP Axolotl
Below are some characteristics of the GFP axolotl:
1. They are Carnivorous.
The GFP axolotl is carnivorous, and has a sharp tooth that can pierce the skin of small prey and a sharp spine that it uses to kill larger prey. This insectivorous animal’s diet consists of bloodworms (worm larvae), Daphnia (a kind of water flea or water bug), and other prey, such as mosquito larvae, salamander eggs, and crayfish.
2. They can glow brightly under ultraviolet light.
The GFP Axolotl has a special fluorescent protein found throughout its body, making it glow brightly under ultraviolet light.
3. They are capable of regenerating lost limbs and organs.
Like “Xenopus laevis,” the GFP Axolotl can regenerate its limbs and organs, including its heart, liver, and tail. It uses adult stem cells for regeneration. Unlike humans and other animals, which undergo ontogenetic development (a body changing as it ages or evolves), the GFP Axolotl doesn’t undergo ontogenetic development. When they grow older, they maintain their look like when they were a tadpole until they die.
4. They have a short life span.
The GFP axolotl lives only from one day to two weeks. Its lifespan is relatively short compared with most other animals because it over-reproduces and its cells do not mature normally; it does not go through ontogenetic development like other animals.
5. They quickly adapt to changes in its environment.
The GFP axolotl can quickly adapt to changes in its environment as it will grow or change as conditions change.
6. They appear to lack a circulatory system.
It does not appear to have a circulatory system, but it can move from body parts such as the tail, bones, and muscle tissue to the head and limbs.
7. They are capable of metamorphosis.
In metamorphosis, an animal changes from one shape or size into a different shape or size without changing its DNA structure (the genetic code).
8. They are Amphibians.
The GFP axolotl is an amphibian and spends most of its time underwater. It breathes through gills that are on each side of its mouth. It also has a tail and four legs.
Appearance
The GFP Axolotl has many different colors and patterns. These include green, yellow, black, brown, red, and silver. It also has unique patterns on its body.
There are two types of GFP axolotls. There are “green” GFP axolotls (which have the green fluorescent protein gene), and there are “red” GFP axolotls (which have a different fluorescent protein which makes them red instead of green).
Size
The GFP Axolotl is a pretty small animal. These creatures range in size from 1 to 4 inches.
Lifespan
The GFP Axolotl has a fairly short life span. These creatures live from one day to two weeks. This short lifespan is because it doesn’t go through ontogenetic development like other animals.
Tank Setup
- A 10-gallon tank is used for the GFP Axolotls.
2. The tank is filled with water, a filter, and gravel at the bottom of it.
3. A heater in the tank can be turned up to 100°F. Water should be changed twice weekly and once every two weeks if necessary. The temperature should be kept constant at between 80 and 90°F.
4. There is an LED light for the GFP Axolotl to use during the day.
5. Water is changed twice a week, and the GFP Axolotl should be fed three times a week. The food that should be given to these animals consists of bloodworms (worm larvae) and Daphnia (a kind of water flea or water bug), as well as crickets and other insects that live in freshwater.
also read: Mosaic Axolotl – Care Guide & Species Information
Water Filtration
The GFP Axolotl does not have a circulatory system, so it must be able to move from the water tank to the body parts like the tail, bones, and muscles.
To help these creatures do this, a filter should be used. A sponge filter is used for water filtration. The filters should be cleaned regularly and replaced every three months or when worn out.
Water Parameters
The GFP Axolotls should have the same water parameters as any other aquarium. The pH level should be 7.5 to 8.5 and a temperature of 75 to 85° Fahrenheit.
Diet
The GFP Axolotls needs a specific diet to live. It must be fed bloodworms (worm larvae) and Daphnia (a kind of water flea or water bug).
These animals also eat crickets, other insects that live in freshwater, and other prey like mosquito larvae or salamander eggs.
Breeding
GFP breeding is a simple process; however, it can be quite difficult to breed the animal, and this is why you should always work with a pet shop or breeder to help you out. They will show you how to breed the GFP Axolotls properly.
- The most effective way to determine the sex of a GFP axolotl is to look at its belly:
The best way to determine the sex of a GFP axolotl is by looking at its belly and figuring out which garter belt is on it. If the animal has a white garter belt on its belly, it must be a female, whereas if the animal has no garter belt on its belly, it must be a male. However, this method only works 50% of the time and can be difficult to do if the animal is moving around or you are having trouble seeing the circumference of your GFP axolotls waistline.
2. The second best way to determine the sex of a GFP axolotl is to feel its belly:
If you are having trouble determining the sex of your axolotl by sight, then you can try to feel the girth on its belly. Females will feel thicker than males, and if you can distinguish which girth feels thicker, it must be a female. This method works about half the time and is difficult for those who do not know how to hold an axolotl properly and feel each animal’s girth properly.
3. The third best way is to pump blood into its tail:
If you are having trouble determining the sex of your axolotls by sight and feel, then you can try to pump blood into its tail. The female’s tail will stay swollen for around 24 hours after you have done this, whereas males will lose the swelled look within a few hours. This method is difficult because it requires that you have someone hold the animal or keep it trapped inside a pump for a few hours. This method is also risky because if the person pumping blood into the axolotl misses or does not know how to pump it into its tail, they could kill the animal.
4. DNA Test:
If you want to determine the sex of your GFP axolotls, then you can use DNA tests. These tests are very convenient and safe to use as they cost little; if successful, they are accurate up to 99% of the time.
5. Use the help of a specialist:
An expert can help you determine the sex of a GFP himera. The expert will look at its belly and determine that the animal is female. One must use caution when using this method to ensure that the GFP axolotl does not get an upset stomach and get sick or die.
Conclusion
GFP Axolotl is rare and hard to come by. However, they are not endangered. As long as you take proper care of the GFP axolotl and follow the stepped care, they should last for several years.
You are encouraged to get help from an expert when it comes to breeding this animal, as this can be tricky and stressful for those who do not know how to hold an axolotl properly.
If you work with a specialist, they will know how to properly handle your pet GFP axolotls and give you good advice on keeping them healthy for as long as possible.
