Forget English bulldogs and Labradoodles, it's axolotls that are New Zealanders' new favourite pet; but as a result, shelters are being swamped with them. And some shelters are blaming their popularity on TikTok and Minecraft.
They're cute, a bit weird and they've done what every influencer can only dream of - they've gone viral.
Videos of axolotls on TikTok have amassed millions of views, and their popularity is beginning to have a real-world impact.
Dunedin Amphibian Reptile Rescue Centre's Amelia Seales told Newshub she's seen interest in axolotls spike over the past 10 years.
"I think social media might have something to do with it."
Danni Mokomoko from the Wellington Amphibian and Reptile Rescue said one of the world's most popular video games is also behind their meteoric rise in regard.
"The popularity is great, it's caused by certain elements such as Minecraft," he said.
Adding to TikTok, Minecraft now also features the amphibians.
One TikTok user told her followers: "My axolotls are gay, and they are in love."
And just as well, because the straight ones can breed a lot of little axolotls. That's part of the problem; people marvel at their quirkiness online, buy them, and quickly realise owning an axolotl or two is not always playtime.
"They inadvertently put two axolotls together not knowing the sex of them or the gender, and the next thing they have three, four, 500,000 eggs themselves."
Seales' rescue business currently has over 2000 axolotls.
"I haven't counted them and I haven't attempted to count them," she said.
She added that the amphibians are costly and complex to care for, with many ending up in shelters.
"They are very hard to rehome."
But the Wellington shelter disagrees, arguing axolotls' boost in popularity has been a good thing.
"The popularity is great, it helps rehome the ones that we get in."
But both amphibian experts urge anyone considering acquiring an axolotl to listen up.
"They're quite mysterious animals but then again they're also very boring," said Seales, with Mokomoko adding: "If you're interested, do your research, make sure of your ongoing costs."
Axolotls can live up to 25 years old.
