Black olm
A species of Olms, Also known as Blind cave salamander, Black proteus Scientific name : Proteus anguinus Genus : Olms
Black olm, A species of Olms
Also known as:
Blind cave salamander, Black proteus
Scientific name: Proteus anguinus
Genus: Olms
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Yerpo , used under CC-BY-SA-3.0 /Cropped and compressed from original 
Description
The olm or proteus (Proteus anguinus) is an aquatic salamander in the family Proteidae, the only exclusively cave-dwelling chordate species found in Europe. In contrast to most amphibians, it is entirely aquatic; it eats, sleeps, and breeds underwater. Living in caves found in the Dinaric Alps, it is endemic to the waters that flow underground through the extensive limestone of the karst of Central and Southeastern Europe, specifically southern Slovenia, the basin of the SoÄa
General Info
Lifespan
58-100 years
Diet
Black olm's dietary habits primarily revolve around consuming tiny crustaceans, snails, and insects in their aquatic habitat. They feed using a method called filter feeding, capturing small detritus particles from the water.
Appearance
Black olm is a small, aquatic creature somewhat resembling an eel, measuring around 8 - 12 inches in length. It has a long, slender body with tiny, almost vestigial limbs. Covered in smooth, pale, almost translucent skin, this species lacks pigmentation due to its life in complete darkness. Features include a flat head, small eyes covered by skin, and external gills resembling feathered plumes on either side of the head.
Behavior
Black olm displays a unique troglomorphic adaptation to its dark, subterranean habitat, showing neotenic features and slow metabolism. This aquatic species is largely solitary, exhibiting territorial behavior within its limited home ranges. Primarily detritivorous, it feeds on detritus, tiny crustaceans, and snails. Importantly, black olm exhibits a remarkable longevity, often living for several decades.
Population
Decreasing
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Amphibians Order
Salamanders Family
Mudpuppies and olms Genus
Olms Species
Black olm 
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