Which amphibian has the longest larval stage?
Quick Answer
The olm can spend an exceptionally long time as a larva, often many years, and may not become fully mature for more than a decade. In stable cave conditions, it can remain in a juvenile-like state for most of its life.
The Full Story
The olm, Proteus anguinus, is a cave-dwelling amphibian known for an unusually prolonged larval stage and very slow development. It lives in underground waters in the Dinaric Alps and can take well over a decade to mature sexually, sometimes much longer depending on conditions. Unlike most amphibians, it never develops the typical adult pigment or eyesight seen in surface-dwelling species. Its long larval life is an adaptation to a cold, nutrient-poor cave environment.
Key Facts
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"The cave amphibian that stays young for years"
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