Olm

Proteus anguinus · The olm is an entirely aquatic salamander that lives its whole life in underground karst waters of the Dinaric Alps in Central and Southeastern Europe.

Also called Proteus, Human fish, Cave salamander, European olm.

Olm
Photo: biosynthesis24, CC BY 2.0
Olm
Photo: Syrio, CC BY-SA 4.0
Olm
Photo: Arne Hodalič, CC BY-SA 3.0

Taxonomy

KingdomAnimalia
PhylumChordata
ClassAmphibia
OrderUrodela
FamilyProteidae
GenusProteus
SpeciesProteus anguinus

Where it lives

Flooded limestone caves of the Dinaric Alps, from Slovenia to Herzegovina.

Fun facts

  • The olm's skin is so transparent that you can actually see its internal organs through it.
  • An olm can survive without eating for up to 10 years.
  • Some olms may live over 100 years, with an average adult surviving around 68.5 years.
  • Although completely blind, an olm can still sense light and swims away from it.

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Facts and taxonomy adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).