Olm

Proteus anguinus

The olm is a special salamander that lives underwater. It has a long, smooth body and can be very pale because it doesn't see sunlight.

Habitat: Caves and underwater rivers

Appearance

The Olm has a slender, eel-like body with smooth, pale pinkish-white skin due to a complete lack of pigment. It features distinctive feathery, bright red external gills behind its head, and tiny, undeveloped eyes are covered by skin.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAmphibiaOrderCaudataFamilyProteidaeGenusProteus

Olm

Interesting facts

Olm are sometimes called "human fish" because of their pale, skin-like color.

Olm were once thought to be baby dragons emerging from underground caves!

Their skin is pale pink because they never see sunlight in their dark cave homes.

They can live an astonishing 10 years without eating a single meal!

Special abilities

Olm can sense prey and navigate using heightened smell, hearing, and electroreception in total darkness.

Olm has a super-slow metabolism that allows them to survive for many years without food.

Measurements & details

Length: 20-30 cm
Weight: 0.02-0.1 kg
Lifespan: 70-100 years
Top Speed: 0.1 km/h
Clutch Size: 12-70

Diet & Feeding

This cave amphibian dines on small invertebrates and tiny fish.

Primary Foods

Small crustaceans
Insect larvae
Snails
Worms

Foraging Method

Ambush

Ecological connections

hunts

Cave amphipod

Niphargus stygius

Olm actively hunts this small cave-dwelling crustacean.

hunts

Cave shrimp

Troglocaris anophthalmus

The Olm also consumes this tiny, blind cave-dwelling shrimp.

hunts

Freshwater flatworm

Phagocata vitta

Sometimes the Olm will eat these small, delicate cave flatworms.

Traits

Wildlife

Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!

Cave Dwelling

These fascinating creatures thrive in the mysterious depths of caves, often adapted to life with little or no light! Explore the secrets of the underground.

Longevous

Marvel at organisms that have an incredible capacity to live for a very, very long time, sometimes spanning centuries or even millennia. They are the elders of the natural world!

Carnivorous

Discover fierce hunters and clever predators that get all their energy from eating other animals. They play a vital role in keeping nature's balance.

Regenerative

Imagine if you could grow back a lost arm or tail! Some incredible creatures have the power to regrow body parts, making them truly amazing survivors in nature.