Olms and Mudpuppies: Proteidae

Olms and mudpuppies live in freshwater. Olms live in underground streams and lakes in limestone caves, where it is always dark and where the water is cold year-round, usually about 46°F (8°C). These salamanders are thought to group together in deep cracks in the stone. Most sightings and captures of olms have been in places where they either have been flushed out by heavy rains or have been hunting for food. Mudpuppies live in muddy canals; ditches; large, rocky, fast-flowing streams; reservoirs; and large, cool lakes. Mudpuppies can be found at all seasons of the year and are even active beneath the ice in mid-winter.