Normal development in Ambystoma mexicanum: A complementary staging table for the skull based on Alizarin red S staining

Background: As the role of Ambystoma mexicanum, or the Mexican axolotl, expands in research applications beyond its traditional use in studies of limb regeneration, a staging table that is more anatomically extensive is required. Here, we describe axolotl skull development as it relates to previously established developmental stages that were based on limb development. Results: We find that most key developmental events in the skull correspond to these previously established stages, creating easily recognizable stages of axolotl throughout skull morphogenesis. Conclusions: With this complementary staging table in hand, researchers can stage axolotl larvae when limb data are missing or incomplete, or when cranial data alone is available.

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