Fans of the iconic Axolotl can see a major endangered species in the Mexican native city’s comeback as researchers announce their discovery that captive breeding axolotls can survive in the wild.

Researchers at the Autonomous University of California said this week they tracked 18 captive juvenile Axolotls (9 males and nine females) that were released in two water areas in southern Mexico in 2017 and 2018.

"If we can reintroduce these Axolotls that have been imprisoned to restored wetlands, where the water conditions are ideal for Axolotls, they can survive," Alejandra Ramos published in the study on Scientific Journal plos One.

"It's a lot of news because when you're imprisoned, they lose a lot of behavior. It's like, they don't know how to identify predators, they don't know how to catch prey, so when we release them, we're a little nervous because we don't know if they can survive," she continued.

But this charming cartoon-style sal, also known as the Mexican walking fish, not only survives in their new wilderness, but also thrives.

"The people we recaptured have gained weight. That means they did a really good job," Ramos said.

"They are hunting, eating, they are avoiding predators. So it's really big," she said.

Axolotls are named after the Aztec god of vulcan and lightning god - Xolotl is the origin of the lakes in Mexico's capital. But their colorful whimsical appearance makes them appreciate all over the world.

Exotic aquatic critters are also favorites for medical researchers who hope that the extreme regenerative ability of amphibians – which boils down to the ability to restore their brain, heart, and lungs – can ultimately help doctors better treat people’s catastrophic injuries.

Despite their popularity, Axolotl is seriously threatened in the wild due to human interference and pollution in human habitats, with only 50 to 1,000 adults remaining in the wild.

Axolotls studied by Ramos and her team were released in both artificial and restored wetlands.

Animals’ ability to survive in both environments is another layer of success. Research points out that if Axolotls can survive in man-made habitats, it can help reduce the devastating effects of habitat degradation and climate change.

For Ramos, who has been doing this research since 2017, the ability to help save Axolotl goes beyond science.

"For Mexicans, they are part of our culture, they are part of our history. It makes them really special to us," she said.