An axolotl (ax-a-lot-l) is a creature with big frilly gills like a lion’s mane, tiny eyes with no eyelids and a mouth in the shape of a smile. They come in lots of colors: pink, black, golden or gray.

Here's everything you need to know about the Mexican axolotl salamander — from organ regeneration and conservation efforts, to cultural mystique.

With their goofy grins and feathery gills, axolotls have become stars of the pet world and video games like Minecraft. But these small, smiling salamanders are also helping scientists explore a ...