Olm / Cave Salamander

Overview

Olm / Cave Salamander (Proteus anguinus) is a tailed amphibian (caudate) native to Europe (karst caves). A pale, blind cave salamander that spends its whole life in dark underground waters.

Care level: Expert. Toxicity: Low.

History & Origin

The Other Caudates (Other Tailed Amphibians) is naturally distributed across Europe (karst caves), where it occupies the typical habitats of its family. It has been kept by specialist and hobbyist keepers both in the wild and in captivity.

Appearance & Size

Olm / Cave Salamander is a 20–35 cm tailed amphibian (caudate).

Temperament

These fully aquatic tailed amphibians (sirens, amphiumas, olms, mudpuppies) keep external gills for life; they are long-bodied, largely hidden and require cool, well-oxygenated water.

Care & Husbandry

These fully aquatic caudates need a large tank with cool, highly oxygenated water, gentle filtration and plenty of cover; they must never be allowed to dry out. Feed worms, shrimp and sinking carnivore foods; keep temperatures low (10–20 °C depending on species).

This species is generally rated Expert in difficulty for keepers.

Health & Lifespan

In captivity Olm / Cave Salamander typically lives 30–60 years. These caudates are notably long-lived, often 20–60 years for some species. They need stable, cool, well-oxygenated water; injuries to external gills heal slowly, so avoid sharp objects.

Popularity & Recognition

Sirens, olms and mudpuppies are evolutionary curiosities that keep gills for life; the Chinese giant salamander is the world's largest amphibian and a conservation icon.