Olm

čovječja ribica · Proteus anguinus

amphibianendemic Endemic

The 'human fish' — a pale, blind, cave-dwelling salamander found only in the Dinaric karst, including the flooded passages of Herzegovina's caves. A living emblem of the underground rivers.

Identification & best seen

Up to ~30 cm; eel-like, pinkish-white, with feathery red external gills and tiny limbs; permanently aquatic and cave-bound.

Habitat & where to see

Flooded karst caves and underground rivers — famously around Vjetrenica and Popovo Polje.

Fun fact

It can live a century and survive years without food, and was once thought to be a baby dragon.