A few weeks ago, I was blissfully unaware of what an axolotl was. But thanks to a naturally curious and highly enterprising 10-year-old son, we're now the proud owners of one. Meet Mango. He(?) is the newest addition to the Lucas family, and what a unique pleasure it is to have him.
For those who may be unfamiliar with these critters, Wikipedia defines the axolotl as "a paedomorphic salamander related to the tiger salamander ... unusual among amphibians in that they reach adulthood without undergoing metamorphosis." Mango enjoys cold water (you have to keep the tank under 70 degrees), moonwalking on the slick floor (you can't have gravel in the tank; apparently their little feet are delicate), and staring with his little, unblinking black eyes straight into your soul.