[4] In 1889, Edward Drinker Cope reclassified the species as Amblystoma dumerili, with the classification being upheld in 1930 by Karl Lafrentz.

[6][3] A 2016 review of this classification concluded that the holotype specimen had been lost, making confirmation of Koerdell's discovery impossible.

[5][8] In 2012, the species was lastly reclassified to its current name Ambystoma (Heterotriton) dumerilii by Alain Dubois and Jean Raffaëlli.

The term is synonymous with the Nahuatl word "axolotl", or the Spanish "Ajolote", which is broadly applied to all aquatic forms of branchiate salamanders.

The Ambystoma genus diverged following the uplifting of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt where the Mexican Plateau split from the Sierra Madre, isolating the ancestral species.

[10] Ambystoma dumerilii's head and mouth are flat and wide, and a caudal fin runs from the third gill arch to the end of the tail.

[9][4] Morphologically, they are most similar to Anderson's salamander, with both species sharing a broad head and equal gill raker numbers.

[4][6] Unlike other species of tropical salamanders who continually produce gametes, Ambystoma dumerilii spermatogenesis follows a yearly cycle.

[4] The life stages of Ambystoma dumerilii are largely defined by overall body length and the loss of some, but not all, larval features.

Newly hatched salamanders measure approximately 12 mm (0.47 in) in length.They lack ectodermal projections (balancers) and gill fimbriae, are a brown colour, and have developing front limbs.

[9] Stressors in the environment can induce morphological plasticity in larvae, which determines the length, width, and degree of tail development.

[9] As a result, while the species possesses functional, terrestrial lungs, most gas exchange occurs via their gills and skin.

[9] Hybrids between A. dumerilii and its relatives, often A. mexicanum (the axolotl) and A. tigrinum (the tiger salamander), are also prone to spontaneous metamorphosis but show a stronger tolerance to survival.

[4] This is because Ambystoma dumerilii lacks the genes necessary to carry out metamorphosis to completion, often leading to detrimental phenotypes, bodily asymmetry, and ultimately death.

Their offspring tend to be larger than axolotl larvae and their adult size is largely dependent on the maternal species.

[9] Due to the lack of native predatory fish in Lake Pátzcuaro, Ambystoma dumerilii was likely an apex predator prior to the introduction of invasive species.

In captivity, Ambystoma dumerilii are generalist carnivores who commonly eat aquatic invertebrates, small fish, and eggs.

[4] In the wild, Ambystoma dumerilii shows trophic specialization towards consuming the crustacean Cambarellus patzcuarensis, and wild-caught specimen will refuse other foods when offered.

[20] An invasive hyacinth species along Lake Pátzcuaro is a source of toxic metabolites detrimental to the salamander's health.

Between the 1930s and 1970s, Oreochromis aureus, Cyprinus carpio (Carp), Micropterus salmoides (Largemouth bass), and Ctenopharyngodon idella were intentionally released into Lake Pátzcuaro; all of these fish predate on the eggs and larvae of achoques.

[6] There have been claims that a subspecies is found further inland to the north-east in San Juan del Río, Querétaro, but this has largely been dismissed as inaccurate.

This means that there exists a reproducing population in the wild, but the current health and survival rates of these larvae remains unknown.

[9] Silt, fertilizer, sewage, cow waste, and pollutant runoff, exacerbated by local deforestation, have negatively impacted water quality and resulted in eutrophication of the lake.

Additionally, between 1982 and 2010, Lake Pátzcuaro lost a quarter of its total volume and water temperatures have significantly increased, further limiting the salamander's habitat.

[10] The Sisters have harvested Ambystoma dumerilii for use in traditional medicine for 150 years, using the salamader's skin in the production of "jarabe", a cough syrup.

[24] Chester Zoo and Michoacan University also maintain colonies of Ambystoma dumerilii, but the population at the convent is considered the most viable since it is closest to the achoque's native habitat and the salamanders are thus less likely to be exposed to foreign pathogens.

[10] Michoacan University's Laboratory of Aquatic Biology in Morelia City, Mexico maintains a colony at their campus.

Research on the species focuses on captive management, Ambystoma dumerilii's genetics, reproduction, and environmental education.

Additionally, the university engages in outreach programs to increase awareness for the species, including murals, radio broadcasts, and touring exhibitions.

The Centro Regional de Investigaciones Pesqueras Pátzcuaro and Gerardo León Murillo colonies focus on aquaculture research and educational programs, respectively, to reestablish populations of Ambystoma dumerilii for human consumption and medical use.