~Just-In-Case~

[illuminatus]

The white one looks like stay puft marshmallow man, hehe.

 

[ZeusOGrefugee]

What up Justin?? Sorry Ive been MIA for a few!!!been kinda bummed out over here!!!anyhow..lookin great as always, and I like ur Oxcatls(sp?)..very cool lookin things!!!! Ill PM u later about that thing, shuld be able to work sumfin out!!!Peace bro

- Z

 

[Sammet]

We call them axlotl over here.

Wow - Shutter we've got a lot in common mate. Pot, Cameras, Aquaria. I'm not sure of the security of posting my aquarium photos on here, but I've got two 30L micro cubes, all planted with bog wood - 12 long fin white cloud mountain minnows schooling in one, assorted Rasbora and a few Ottos + shrimp in the other.

Sand tanks always look pretty but I prefer tiny round pebbles as they're so much easier to clean, I've got a little vac too for cleaning, then I siphon the water out after.

I take it you know they're critically indangered right? From Wiki:

"Critically Endangered (CR), facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild."

Big respect for doing your part mate - they might only exist in tanks like yours soon.

 

[JustinCase]

m@rg-The OG deffinately packs a wollop, the taste isn't too bad it's the yield and that stretch, what's that all about?
Bonequicha-I do know and I'm gonna lay it all out here in a minute. And thank you.
illuminatus-You really think it looks like the staypuft marshmellow man huh?
Zeus-I totally understand where your coming from my man, I am myself reeling over the end of a almost decade old stint.
Sammet-I wish I still had my community tank, I had a very nice school of about 75 Rasboras and neon tetras, and these glass tetra's that I have yet to find a name for. I found them in some nook of a shop on a random road trip. They were all transparent with a bright neon orange dot around the top of the organs almost center mass and another neon orange stripe running the length of the gill slit. The tank looked so insane under the black lights. The tank was just shy of 100 fish. But the stupid Beta got the whole tank sick while I was housesitting and lost just about the entire tank. After that I went back to the big fish. I've had these for just over 3yrs or maybe 4 I don't know.
I have some 15 gallons of a pretty sweet mix of gravel I've gathered over the years with tiny to medium sized pebbles with a healthy amount of semi-precious stones added that I obtained a looong time ago. But these weird evolutionary skipped critters inhale when they eat and will swallow the pebbles as well causing digestion issues, also the sand is easier on their pads.
----------------------------------------

Ok before I get to todays pictures I'm gonna go wikipedia on everyone for a minute about these particular creatures.​

Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Amphibia
Order: Caudata
Family: Ambystomatidae
Genus: Ambystoma
Species: A. mexicanum

Binomial name
Ambystoma mexicanum
(Shaw, 1789)

Conservation Status

"Critically Endangered (CR), facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild."

The Axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) is the best-known of the Mexican neotenic mole salamanders belonging to the Tiger Salamander complex. Larvae of this species fail to undergo metamorphosis, so the adults remain aquatic and gilled. The species originates from the lake underlying Mexico City. Axolotls, also known as ajolote (ajolote is incorrect) are used extensively in scientific research due to their ability to regenerate most body parts, ease of breeding, and large embryos. They are commonly kept as pets in the United States, Great Britain (under the spelling axlotl), Australia, Japan (where they are sold under the name wooper rooper (ウーパールーパー, Ūpā Rūpā?), and other countries.

Axolotls should not be confused with waterdogs, the larval stage of the closely related Tiger Salamanders (Ambystoma tigrinum and Ambystoma mavortium), which is widespread in much of North America which also occasionally become neotenic, nor with mudpuppies (Necturus spp.), fully-aquatic salamanders which are unrelated to the axolotl but which bear a superficial resemblance.

Description
A sexually-mature adult axolotl, at age 18-24 months, ranges in length from 15–45 centimetres (5.9–18 in), although a size close to 23 centimetres (9.1 in) is most common and greater than 30 centimetres (12 in) is rare. Axolotls possess features typical of salamander larvae, including external gills and a caudal fin extending from behind the head to the vent. Their heads are wide, and their eyes are lidless. Their limbs are underdeveloped and possess long, thin digits. Males are identified by their swollen cloacae lined with papillae, while females are noticeable for their wider bodies full of eggs. Three pairs of external gill stalks (rami) originate behind their heads and are used to move oxygenated water. The external gill rami are lined with filaments (fimbriae) to increase surface area for gas exchange. Four gill slits lined with gill rakers are hidden underneath the external gills. Axolotls have barely visible vestigial teeth which would have developed during metamorphosis. The primary method of feeding is by suction, during which their rakers interlock to close the gill slits. External gills are used for respiration, although buccal pumping (gulping air from the surface) may also be used in order to provide oxygen to their lungs. Axolotls have 4 different colours, 2 naturally occurring colours and 2 mutants. The 2 naturally occurring colours are wildtype (Varying shades of brown usually with spots) and melanoid (black). The 2 mutants colours are leucistic (pale pink with black eyes) and albino (golden, tan or pale pink with pink eyes).

Habitat and ecology
The axolotl is only native to Lake Xochimilco and Lake Chalco in central Mexico. Unfortunately for the axolotl, Lake Chalco no longer exists as it was drained by humans to avoid periodic flooding, and Lake Xochimilco remains a diminished glimpse of its former self, existing mainly as canals. The water temperature in Xochimilco rarely rises above 20 °C (68 °F), though it may fall to 6 or 7 °C (45 °F) in the winter, and perhaps lower. The wild population has been put under heavy pressure by the growth of Mexico City. Axolotls are also sold as food in Mexican markets, and were a staple in the Aztec diet. They are currently listed by CITES as an endangered species, and by IUCN as critically endangered in the wild, with a decreasing population.

Axolotls are members of the Ambystoma tigrinum (Tiger salamander)-complex, along with all other Mexican species of Ambystoma. Their habitat is like that of most neotenic species - a high altitude body of water surrounded by a risky terrestrial environment. These conditions are thought to favor neoteny. However, a terrestrial population of Mexican Tiger Salamanders occupies and breeds in the Axolotl's habitat.

The axolotl is carnivorous, consuming small prey such as worms, insects, and small fish in the wild. Axolotls locate food by smell, and will "snap" at any potential meal, sucking the food into their stomachs with vacuum force.

Axolotl's neoteny
Axolotls exhibit a property called neoteny, meaning that they reach sexual maturity without undergoing metamorphosis. Many species within the Axolotl's genus are either entirely neotenic or have neotenic populations. In the axolotl, metamorphic failure is caused by a lack of thyroid stimulating hormone, which is used to induce the thyroid to produce thyroxine in transforming salamanders. The genes responsible for neoteny in laboratory animals may have been identified, however they are not linked in wild populations, suggesting artificial selection is the cause of complete neoteny in laboratory and pet axolotls.

Unlike some other neotenic salamanders (Sirens and Necturus), Axolotls can be induced to metamorphose by an injection of iodine (used in the production of thyroid hormones) or by shots of thyroxine hormone. Another method for inducing transformation, though one that is very rarely successful, involves removing an axolotl in good condition to a shallow tank in a vivarium and slowly reducing the water level so that the axolotl has difficulty submerging. It will then, over a period of weeks, slowly metamorphose into an adult salamander. During transformation, the air in the vivarium must remain moist, and the maturing axolotl sprayed with a fine mist of pure water. The odds of the animal being able to metamorphose via this method are extremely small, and most attempts at inducing metamorphosis lead to death. This is likely due to the strong genetic basis for neoteny in laboratory and pet axolotls, which means that few captive animals have the ability to metamorphose on their own. Spontaneous metamorphosis has been known to occur very rarely, but attempts to do so artificially are best left to trained scientists. Artificial metamorphosis also dramatically shortens the axolotl's lifespan, if they survive the process. A neotenic axolotl will live an average of 10–15 years (though an individual in Paris is credited with achieving 25 years), while a metamorphosed specimen will scarcely live past the age of five. The adult form resembles a terrestrial Mexican Tiger Salamander, but has several differences, such as longer toes, which support its status as a separate species.

Use as a model organism
Six adult axolotls (including a leucistic specimen) were shipped from Mexico City to the "Jardin des Plantes" in Paris in 1863. Unaware of their neoteny, Auguste Duméril was surprised when, instead of the axolotl, he found in the vivarium a new species, similar to the salamander. This discovery was the starting point of research about neoteny. It is not certain that Mexican Tiger salamanders were not included in the original shipment.

Vilem Laufberger of Germany used thyroid hormone injections to induce an axolotl to grow into a terrestrial adult salamander. The experiment was repeated by the Englishman Julian Huxley, who was unaware the experiment had already been done, using ground thyroid hormones. Since then, experiments have been done often with injections of iodine or various thyroid hormones used to induce metamorphosis.

Today, the axolotl is still used in research as a model organism and large numbers are bred in captivity. Axolotls are especially easy to breed compared to other salamanders in their family, which are almost never captive bred due to the demands of terrestrial life. One attractive feature for research is the large and easily manipulated embryo, which allows viewing of the full development of a vertebrate. Axolotls are used in heart defect studies due to the presence of a mutant gene that causes heart failure in embryos. Since the embryos survive almost to hatching with no heart function, the defect is very observable. The presence of several color morphs has also been extensively studied.

The feature of the salamander that attracts most attention is its healing ability: the axolotl does not heal by scarring and is capable of the regeneration of entire lost appendages in a period of months, and, in certain cases, more vital structures. Some have indeed been found restoring the less vital parts of their brains. They can also readily accept transplants from other individuals, including eyes and parts of the brain — restoring these alien organs to full functionality. In some cases, axolotls have been known to repair a damaged limb as well as regenerating an additional one, ending up with an extra appendage that makes them attractive to pet owners as a novelty. In metamorphosed individuals, however, the ability to regenerate is greatly diminished. The axolotl is therefore used as a model for the development of limbs in vertebrates.

Captivity
Axolotls live at temperatures of 14 °C (57 °F)-20 °C (68 °F), preferably 17 °C (63 °F)-18 °C (64 °F). Lower temperatures slow down their metabolism, although temperatures around 10 °C (50 °F) are a panacea when it comes to treating disease. Higher temperatures can lead to stress and increased appetite. Chlorine in tapwater is harmful to axolotls. A single typical axolotl typically requires a 10-US-gallon (38 l/8.3 imp gal) tank with around 150 millilitres (5.3 imp fl oz/5.1 US fl oz) of water. Axolotls spend a majority of the time on the bottom of the tank.

In laboratory colonies, adult axolotls are often housed three to a one gallon container, and water changes are performed more regularly. Salts, such as Holtfreter's solution, are usually added to the water to prevent infection.

In captivity, axolotls eat a variety of readily available foods, including trout and salmon pellets, frozen or live bloodworms, earthworms, and waxworms.

Also​

The name of the salamander, "Axolotl," comes from the Nahuatl language of a tribe of Aztecs. Axolotl translates directly as "water-dog," from atl meaning "water" and xolotl meaning "dog," although it is also thought that the name is related to the god of death and deformation, Xolotl.

What a trippy read I bet that was if you so chose to take that adventure. Reading what you may have or not have just read is why I wanted and eventually acquired these evolutionary marvels.


On to a more relevant topic, SQ(phenoB)"Tripod" came down, and this concludes phenoB from the garden leaving only phenoC and that will conclude SQ completely from the garden, once phenoC is concluded I will give a full review of my experiences with Mandala's SQ.










​

 

[weedbeat21312]

hi justin,
first class pictures,respect²
Very tasty resinous, and delicious Macros.

nice technology to dry the Buds on the hanger!


wow,these living beings are very seldom at home.
Here in Germany is the Oxolotl on the way, to a pet in a Aquarium.
Becomes more and more modern with the years,
they can get very nice colours.
an odd creature, but sweetly!
Very nice hobby!!!

Have a nice day

 

[cellardweller]

I dont think this has been pounded into your head enough so I'll say it again for ya. Simply outstanding bud shots and camera skills bro. what camera is that again?
with those buds I can see why your Oxolotols (sp?) look so happy all the time!!

 

[Lava Surfer]

Lovely harvest pics indeed

That blue salamander looks cool, the white one looks scarry hehehe

 

[bonger_666]

Good mornin!
Man, those axlotl shots are really awesome! The white buddy is great Strange pet.
Nice Trichs on the SQ too, good work. Keep it green!

 

[hazy]

that OG looks bomb JiC. Looking at the macro of that SQ, it's no slouch either.

 

[JustinCase]

CD-It's a Nikon d40. I got this camera because it is Nikons introductory model of it's dslr camera series. And before shelling out 4 figures on a camera I figured I'd check out if I like the Nikon series. Although I feel that I should have started with the d60(as it has a motor for the lens built in and the d40 does not making lens purchases much more expensive) but it's cool, I'm satisfied with this Nikons performance. Once I burn through a few lenses with it I'm sure I'll be upgrading to a better model making the 40 my everyday camera. Ya they have a perma-grin don't they.
Lava-Thank you
bonger-Yah I have a flare for the exotic sometimes.
hazy-No the SQ-b is no slouch being the most fragrant of my three pheno's but C is much better than either a or b. We'll get to see some more of her coming up now that she has started to bloom.
-------------------------------------------

 

[EatShitake]

Who to root for??? I'm partial for short-n-fat!

 

[JustinCase]

You know I don't know who to root for either Shitake. I'm sure the short fat one is leaning genetically to DeepChunk. Either way boy or girl, I think I will be happy with the results as I'm looking for both.

What's up brother Y, I hope all is well. Here's some random shots for ya.







​

 

[Dr Dog]

I think since it would resemble me, tall and skinny

Nice buds you got starting J, very frosty

 

[Black Ra1n]

Very nice frost man, going to be snow capped by the time they're done.

B/R

 

[cellardweller]

I been everywhere but here man..
I'da got ya back but Im repped out fer now..
cellar cant afford no spensive piece of technology like that Nikon d40 but it sure sounds purty. I did however find a little Fuij 12 megapixel with video very similar to my last camera (Nikon CoolPix) for only $189 at a wholesaler here. ..probably gonna stick with that one seein as how my luck with techie things is just bad. I'll see if I can find a pic and edit this post later.
computer,camera,phone.. all replaced or fixed for a price in the last month or so..
nice randoms! I really do like the pics from that camera though..

~cellard

 

[FiveLeggedGoat]

Those girls are looking juicy J.

Killer pics too mang.

5LG

 

[ZeusOGrefugee]

Hey Justin...great shots again man...you def have the eye of a pro, Ill give u that...my grandpa was a pro when he was in his 20's & 30's...photog'd all the big movie stars of the 30's , 40's & 50's...great stuff he used to show me...my sibling got the eye, me a little!!!!LOL anyhow bro, all looks great and Ill be seein ya soon...Peace

- Z

 

[cellardweller]

hey bro, I figured I'd just post it..


Digital photographers looking for a top-of-the line compact digital camera can now take advantage of the 12-Megapixel FinePix F50fd. Following a long line of award-winning F-Series models, the FinePix F50fd offers consumers a super-compact digital camera that takes beautiful shots with the most advanced features and technology available, so that missing great shots is not an option.

Combining a 12-MegaPixel, 7th Generation Super CCD with a 3.0x optical zoom and a 2.7" high-resolution 230.000 pixel wide-angle view LCD, the FinePix F50fd is a compact powerhouse that incorporates all the features users have come to expect from Fujifilm's more advanced digital cameras. With the addition of Dual Image Stabilization, Face Detection 2.0 Technology with Automatic Red Eye Removal function, and ISO settings of up to ISO 6400, the F50fd takes compact digital cameras to the next level, arming users with a host of new features and enabling them to take pictures never before possible.

Fujifilm's proprietary Face Detection Technology also gets an upgrade in the F50fd with the arrival of Face Detection 2.0, featuring Automatic Red Eye Removal. As with the original version of Face Detection, it can detect up to 10 human faces in a scene in as little as 5/100's of a second, correcting focus, exposure, and white balance automatically, regardless of where subjects are located within the frame. Face Detection 2.0 adds to this technology by being able to identify faces at much more extreme camera angles than before. No longer does the camera need a head-on shot to identify a face, because now even a profile will do - with up to 90O movement in either direction for profiles, and up to 135O for leaning or lying down in either direction, for a total range of 270O.

Additional improvements to Face Detection 2.0 include a new Automatic Red-Eye Removal feature that automatically corrects red-eye directly after the shot is taken and then saves both the original and the corrected image file.

To ensure that users achieve even greater blur-free pictures, the FinePix F50fd adds to Fujifilm's Picture Stabilization mode to create the improved Dual Image Stabilization mode. This combines a mechanically stabilized CCD sensor with high ISO sensitivities for Total Anti-Blur protection. The combination of these two different approaches reduces the "blur"; effect from the photographer's hand-shake and subject movement even further to provide the highest quality digital pictures yet, with sharp, clean and clear results.

All too often, digital photographers run into problems when taking pictures in low-light or dimly lit situations and have to rely on the flash, which can lead to over-exposed and washed-out shots. The FinePix F50fd builds on the great strides previous Fujifilm digicams have made with low-light photography and allows users to effortlessly capture the moment as their eye sees it, with tremendous clarity and low noise, using Fujifilm's Real Photo technology. Thanks to the 7th generation FinePix Super CCD-HR chip and the RP Processor II, the Finepix F50fd can utilize ISO settings of up to ISO 1600 at full resolution and an amazing ISO 6400 at reduced resolution, capturing stunning images even in low light while preserving the natural color and clarity of the sho

Zeuss, thats pretty cool about your grandpa! must have alot of cool pics hangin around huh/

 

[homusubi]

hi SB! long time, see everything is going fine... good luck with the DC, its a fine cross! think you will enjoy it

damn, things are going fast, nice SQ!


Saludos, take care

 

[DaveMR]

Hello Shutterbug hope all is well over the water
I thought you may like to see a few pics I have recently taken.
The nanas I had on my flowered Blueberry left me with these

I am sure I have asked before but not certain so will ask again, am I likely to get plants that throw nanas at me seeing as the seeds came from such a plant ?



This is one of my Mandala femmed



These are my SQ's and White Satin




And this is the rootgrow (Mycorrhizal-fungi) that I have just used in the potting up process.


I have to admit that since adding a few ingredients to my compost I am getting much healthier plants.

Always a pleasure to post in this thread