The axolotl, or Mexican salamander, is used in a wide range of biological research, from the study of the regulation of gene expression to pattern formation, neurobiology, and regeneration. This volume offers a short yet comprehensive survey of basic developmental research utilizing the animal, along with practical information for rearing and maintaining the axolotl in a laboratory environment. The book will serve as a useful reference for developmental biologists.

John B. Armstrong's profile page

George M. Malacinski's profile page

John B. Armstrong is at University of Ottawa. George M. Malacinski is at University of Indiana, Bloomington.

"This is the first major work to document the history and research record of this important amphibian species....Will be of value primarily to biological scientists and graduate students concerned with tissue culture and developmental biology." --Choice

"The general level of contributions is high, there is an extensive list of full references and a good index. Altogether, this is an attractive book and a worthy tribute to a fascinating and delightful creature." --The Biologist

"This is the firtst major work to document the history and research record of this important amphibian species....Will be of value primarily to biological scientists and graduate sudents concerned with tissue culture and developmental biology." --Choice

"Everything you wanted to know about axolotls but were afraid to ask is included in this lucid and detailed account of their history and developmental and experimental biology . . . . an essential reference book." --Cell

"The final chapter on diagnosis and treatment of diseases simply must be read by anyone who has, or intends to have, an axolotl colony. The chapters are concisely written and consistent in style. They are thoroughly referenced and the citations are colleced at the end of the book. It is unlikely that a similar collection of axolotl-specific literature can be found elsewhere in the world...and the references alone are worth the price of the book. I wish I could have read this book 17 years ago when I first began my studies with axolotls." --American Zoologist

"The final chapter on diagnosis and treatment of diseases simply must be read by anyone who has, or intends to have, an axolotl colony. The chapters are concisely written and consistent in style. They are thoroughly referenced and the citations are collected at the end of the book. It is unlikely that a similar collection of axolotl-specific literature can be found elsewhere in the world...and the references alone are worth the price of the book. I wish I could have read this book 17 years ago when I first began my studies with axolotls." --American Zoologist

"John Armstrong and George Malacinski have edited a fine book that compiles a cross section of developmental studies under way using the axolotl. They divide this book into three main parts: (1) natural history of the axolotl, (2) developmental studies using the axolotil, and (3) general and specific bits of information needed to rear and experiment with axolotls . . . . The articles are arranged in developmental order starting with gametogenesis and ending with an article on metamorphosis. In general, the papers are clear and concise, and as a result they are informative to both the generalist and specialist . . . . This book could be used both as an advanced undergraduate reference for general development and as a laboratory source for axolotl maintenance." --The Quarterly Review of Biology