Can Axolotls Regrow Their Brain or Internal Organs?

Abdul Wasay Khatri | Administrator

Last updated: 9 January, 2026

Direct Answer

Yes, axolotls can regrow parts of their brain, heart, lungs, spinal cord, and other organs after damage. They can’t regrow a completely destroyed organ, but they can repair major damage and rebuild missing sections. Brain injuries that would cause permanent disability in humans heal completely in axolotls within weeks. Their heart can regenerate up to 40% of damaged tissue, and they can regrow entire sections of their spinal cord without losing function.

How Internal Regeneration Works

Brain regeneration in axolotls is wild. If part of their brain gets damaged or removed, surrounding brain cells multiply and fill in the gap. The new brain tissue connects to existing neural pathways and works normally. Scientists have removed up to 25% of an axolotl’s brain and watched it grow back perfectly functional within 6-8 weeks.

Heart regeneration happens through specialized cells that can turn back into stem cells. When heart muscle dies from injury, these cells activate and rebuild the damaged area. Unlike humans who form scar tissue after a heart attack, axolotls regrow actual working heart muscle. The regenerated tissue beats in sync with the rest of the heart.

Spinal cord injuries that would paralyze a human don’t stop axolotls. They can regrow severed spinal cords and reconnect all the nerves. Within 3-4 months of a complete spinal cut, they’re walking normally again. The regenerated nerves even find their original connections to muscles and organs.

What They Can and Can’t Regrow

Axolotls can repair damaged lungs, kidneys, liver, and intestines. These organs don’t regrow from nothing if completely removed, but major damage heals without permanent loss of function. A partially destroyed kidney repairs itself, while a human would lose that kidney forever.

They can’t regenerate every internal structure. Eyes can heal from damage but won’t regrow if fully removed. The inner ear structures that control balance can’t regenerate either. Reproductive organs have limited regeneration damage repairs, but total loss doesn’t regrow.

Size of injury matters. Small to medium damage regenerates almost perfectly. Massive trauma that destroys 50%+ of an organ might not fully recover. The axolotl’s body has limits it can work miracles, but not magic.

Scientists are studying axolotl organ regeneration to help humans. Heart attack and stroke patients could benefit hugely if we figure out how to make human organs repair themselves. Brain injury recovery would change completely. We’re nowhere close yet, but axolotls are showing us it’s possible.

FAQ

Can an axolotl survive with part of its brain missing?
Yes, they function normally even with 20-25% of their brain removed. The remaining brain takes over lost functions while regeneration happens. Humans can’t do this we’d have severe permanent disabilities or die.

How long does it take to regrow heart tissue?
Heart muscle regenerates in 4-8 weeks depending on how much was damaged. Small injuries heal faster, major damage takes the full 8 weeks or longer. The regenerated heart tissue is permanent and works normally.

Can they regrow a completely destroyed organ?
No, if an entire organ is removed or destroyed, it won’t regrow from nothing. But they can regrow large sections up to 40-50% of some organs. That’s still way better than what humans can do.

Does organ regeneration slow down as they age?
Yes, older axolotls regenerate slower than young ones. A 2-year-old might regrow brain tissue in 4 weeks, while a 10-year-old takes 8-10 weeks. But they never completely lose the ability like humans do.

Will we ever be able to regrow organs like axolotls?
Not anytime soon. Scientists are decades away from human organ regeneration. The research is promising, but turning it into actual medical treatments takes forever. Don’t hold your breath for regenerating hearts in your lifetime.

Abdul Wasay Khatri
Administrator
Abdul Wasay is the founder and lead author of Axolotl Portal, a trusted site for axolotl care. He spent almost nine months learning about axolotls, including their tanks, feeding, water care, and common health problems. His knowledge comes from trusted vets, research, and real experience from long term axolotl owners. All Posts by