The Inhabitants of the Aquarium 271 



The Olm (Proteus anguine us) is found in 

 the waters of the cave of Adelsberg, Aus- 

 tria. Living in absolute darkness, this ani- 

 mal has no use for eyes and is therefore 

 blind, the eyes being indicated only by two 

 dark dots. Its body is eel-shaped and of a 

 silver white or tender pink color. The legs 

 are very short and weak in proportion to 

 the body. Three feathery pale rose gills on 

 each side of the head form the respiratory 

 organs. The Olm differs from the Axolotl 

 in that it never changes its mode of respira- 

 tion. While it may leave the water occa- 

 sionally, it remains aquatic in its life and 

 never breathes through lungs. It has been 

 raised in captivity and will live for years in 

 the aquarium, provided it is kept as much 

 as possible in surroundings resembling 

 those of its natural habitat. A soft comb, 

 or crest, running along the back of the larva 

 is its main distinction from the perfect ani- 

 mal which it otherwise resembles in shape 

 and color. If exposed to the light, the pink 



