Olm (Proteus anguinus). This blind amphibian is endemic to the cave systems of southern Europe. Adaptations to life underground include the loss of pi

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Olm (Proteus anguinus). This blind amphibian is endemic to the cave systems of southern Europe. Adaptations to life underground include the loss of pigmentation, and the loss of its eyes. It is entirely aquatic, breathing through external gills on its head. This specimen is from Slovenia's Postojna Cave, a large system of limestone karst caves that are among the largest in Europe.

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Size: 5173px × 3449px
Photo credit: © THIERRY BERROD, MONA LISA PRODUCTION/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: 1, adaptation, adapted, amphibian, anguinus, animal, aquarium, aquatic, biological, biology, blind, cave, europe, european, evolution, external, fauna, gills, loss, nature, olm, pigment, pigmentation, postojna, proteus, single, slovenia, slovenian, speleology, underground, underwater, water, wildlife, zoological, zoology