Editorial photo #7786310 Human Interest

Release Of Ajolotes In Xochimilco, Mexico City

Cleaning of the Xochimilco canal prior to the Iberian axolotls at the Centro Ecoturístico Chinampero Michmani, Mexico City. The Mexican axolotl or ajolote, Ambystoma mexicanum, is a salamander with the unusual characteristic of retaining its larval features as an adult. This condition, known as neoteny, means that it retains its tadpole-like dorsal fin - which runs almost the entire length of its body - and its external gills, which protrude from the back of its broad, feathery head. (Photo by Gerardo Vieyra/NurPhoto)