Cave Salamanders Live 100 Years

The olm is an aquatic salamander, 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.

This cave salamander is most notable for its adaptations to a life of complete darkness in its underground habitat. The olm's eyes are undeveloped, leaving it blind, while its other senses, particularly those of smell and hearing, are acutely developed. It also lacks any pigmentation in its skin. It has three toes on its forelimbs, but only two toes on its hind feet.

Longevity is estimated at up to 58 years. A study published in Biology Letters estimated that they have a maximum lifespan of over 100 years and that the lifespan of an average adult is around 68.5 years.

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By Boštjan Burger

Two olms (Proteus anguinus), in Postojna Cave, Slovenia.

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By Arne Hodalič

The front part of the olm's head carries sensitive chemo-, mechano-, and electroreceptors.

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By Arne Hodalič

The olm swims by serpentine bending of the body.

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By Arne Hodalič

The black olm, a subspecies, has a shorter head with more-developed eyes compared to the nominate subspecies.

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The caves beneath Predjama Castle are home to the remarkable olm salamanders.

Their eerie pale skin and the fact that they possess both gills and lungs is why people call them ‘the human fish’.