15 Free Axolotl Coloring Pages (PDF Printables)

Few creatures capture both curiosity and cuteness like the axolotl, often nicknamed the “walking fish” or “smiling salamander.” With their frilly gills, wide smiles, and playful appearance, axolotls have become internet sensations, loved by kids and adults alike. Now, with Axolotl Coloring Pages, you can bring these fascinating amphibians to life with your own imagination.

These printable sheets are perfect for kids who enjoy discovering unique animals and for adults who love relaxing coloring sessions. From simple cartoon-style axolotls for beginners to detailed illustrations that capture their intricate gills and textures, there’s something for everyone.

Just click, download, and print your favorite designs in PDF format. Available for both A4 and US Letter paper sizes, these coloring pages are ready for classrooms, craft projects, or family fun. Grab your crayons, markers, or paints, and dive into the underwater world of the adorable axolotl!

10 Interesting Facts About Axolotls

1. Axolotls Are Not Fish

Despite being called “walking fish,” axolotls are actually amphibians, like frogs and salamanders. They belong to the salamander family but are unique because they retain their larval features throughout life. A coloring page showing an axolotl with frilly gills helps kids understand what makes them different from typical salamanders.

2. They Stay in Their Juvenile Stage Forever

Axolotls are famous for neoteny, which means they never fully “grow up.” Unlike most amphibians that lose their gills and live on land, axolotls keep their gills, tails, and aquatic lifestyle forever. This makes them both fascinating and adorable subjects for coloring.

3. Axolotls Can Regenerate Body Parts

One of the most amazing things about axolotls is their ability to regenerate lost limbs, tails, and even parts of their heart and brain! Scientists study axolotls to learn more about healing and regeneration. Kids coloring an axolotl’s leg or tail can spark curiosity about biology.

4. They’re Native to Mexico

Axolotls are found in the ancient lakes and canals of Mexico, especially Lake Xochimilco. They have cultural significance in Aztec mythology, where they were associated with the god Xolotl. A coloring page featuring an axolotl in a traditional Mexican setting can blend culture with fun.

5. Axolotls Come in Different Colors

While wild axolotls are usually dark brown or black with speckles, captive-bred ones come in beautiful colors like pink (leucistic), golden, albino, and even speckled varieties. Coloring pages give kids the chance to experiment—your axolotl can be neon blue, rainbow-striped, or any color they imagine!

6. They Always Look Like They’re Smiling

One reason axolotls are so popular is their permanent “smile.” This facial structure makes them look happy and friendly, which explains why they’re beloved pets and internet icons. Coloring a smiling axolotl is guaranteed to brighten anyone’s day.

7. They Have External Gills

Those frilly, feather-like structures sticking out from their heads are external gills, which they use to breathe underwater. These gills are not only functional but also visually stunning—perfect for coloring with vibrant reds, pinks, and purples.

8. Axolotls Are Endangered

Sadly, axolotls are critically endangered in the wild due to habitat loss, pollution, and invasive species. However, they are widely bred in captivity, which helps preserve the species. Coloring activities can be a fun way to raise awareness about protecting unique animals.

9. They Can Live for Over a Decade

With proper care, axolotls can live between 10 to 15 years. That’s quite a long time for such a small creature! A coloring sheet showing an axolotl growing alongside kids can help teach about responsibility and long-term care.

10. They’ve Inspired Games, Art, and Culture

Axolotls appear in video games like Minecraft, in anime, and in children’s books. Their quirky appearance makes them pop culture icons. With coloring pages, kids can create their own axolotl-inspired art, blending fantasy with science.

10 DIY Ideas for Axolotl Coloring Pages

1. Axolotl Wall Art

Once colored, frame your axolotl pages and hang them in bedrooms, classrooms, or playrooms. Their cheerful faces make them perfect for uplifting wall decor.

2. Greeting Cards

Turn your coloring pages into handmade cards for birthdays, thank-you notes, or “just because” messages. An axolotl with a smiling face is sure to make anyone’s day.

3. Bookmarks

Cut strips of your colored pages, laminate them, and add tassels. Axolotl bookmarks are fun for young readers and encourage a love of both books and animals.

4. Party Decorations

Hosting a birthday or aquarium-themed party? Use axolotl coloring pages as banners, placemats, or cupcake toppers. Kids can color them beforehand as part of the celebration.

5. Puppet Show Crafts

Glue axolotl cutouts onto popsicle sticks and create an underwater puppet show. Kids can act out stories, mixing fun with imagination.

6. Educational Worksheets

Teachers can use axolotl coloring pages in lessons about amphibians, habitats, or endangered species. Students can color while learning fascinating facts about this unique creature.

7. DIY Notebooks and Journals

Glue colored axolotl pages onto blank notebooks to create personalized journals. Great for school or creative writing projects.

8. Axolotl Garland

Cut out several colored axolotls, attach them to string, and hang them across a wall. Perfect as a spring or summer decoration for classrooms and playrooms.

9. DIY Wrapping Paper

Use larger sheets of axolotl coloring pages as wrapping paper for small gifts. It adds a thoughtful, eco-friendly, and personal touch.

10. Family Craft Night

Print out different axolotl designs, gather markers and crayons, and have a family coloring evening. You can even turn it into a contest with prizes for “most colorful axolotl” or “most creative design.”

Final Thoughts

The Axolotl Coloring Pages bring together fun, education, and creativity in one delightful package. These unique amphibians, with their frilly gills and permanent smiles, are perfect subjects for coloring activities that kids and adults alike can enjoy.

By exploring fun facts about axolotls, children learn about biology, conservation, and the wonders of the natural world. Through DIY crafts, they can transform simple coloring sheets into cards, decorations, bookmarks, and keepsakes—making the activity last far beyond the coloring session itself.

Most importantly, coloring axolotls encourages imagination. While some may choose to stick to natural pink or brown shades, others can let their creativity run wild with rainbow or galaxy-colored axolotls. The only limit is the imagination of the artist.

So whether you’re a parent, teacher, or just someone looking for a relaxing and joyful activity, axolotl coloring pages are the perfect choice. Download, print, and let your creativity swim alongside the smiling salamander of the deep.