The internet’s favorite eternally-smiling salamander has had enough of your nonsense.

This amphibian warrior takes the adorable axolotl and cranks it through a battle-hardened filter, adding Aztec design motifs and a seriously angry expression. Those distinctive external gills frame a face that’s done being cute and ready to start cracking skulls. The engraved details honor the axolotl’s cultural significance—these creatures were sacred to the Aztec god Xolotl, associated with death and transformation, which makes this tough interpretation entirely appropriate.

The gills provide fantastic painting opportunities—gradients from deep pink to pale flesh tones create that characteristic feathery effect, or go mythical with blues, purples, or even bioluminescent greens. Those Aztec motifs want contrasting colors to stand out against the skin tone. Consider painting the amphibian skin with a slight sheen using gloss varnish to suggest that perpetually-moist quality.

Perfect for underwater kingdoms, Mesoamerican-themed warbands, or proving that even the cutest creatures can be absolute units when mythology gets involved. Works brilliantly as aquatic shamans, transformation mages, or warrior-priests of forgotten water deities.

Proof that regeneration abilities and sacred status don’t automatically make you friendly. This axolotl woke up and chose violence.