What salamander family includes the axolotl and tiger salamander?

The salamander family that includes the axolotl and tiger salamander is Ambystomatidae.

Ambystomatidae is commonly known as the mole salamander family. Its best-known genus is Ambystoma, which includes the axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) and tiger salamanders. These salamanders are native to North America and typically have sturdy bodies, broad heads, long tails, and prominent costal grooves.

The axolotl is unusual because it commonly remains aquatic and retains larval features such as external gills into adulthood. This condition, called neoteny, makes it look very different from the mostly terrestrial adult tiger salamander, even though both belong to the same family. The axolotl and tiger salamander are also closely related within the genus Ambystoma.

A common mix-up is confusing the family with the genus: Ambystoma is the genus, while Ambystomatidae is the broader family. Cryptobranchidae instead includes giant salamanders such as the hellbender, and Salamandridae includes newts and fire salamanders.