Brought to life

In 2016, for the first time in Postojna’s history, scientists and the public witnessed a female olm laying her eggs in an aquarium.

IN ISOLATION

The mother fiercely protected her first egg from the other olms in the tank, prompting the scientists to relocate them to a separate tank – easier to relocate them than the anxious female. Infrared cameras were installed in the tank.

ON THE ROCKS

For two months, the female laid a total of 64 eggs – the majority on the underside of a rock. Scientists didn’t know what would happen next – would all the eggs be fertilised? Would they succumb to tiny water predators or fungi?

MOVING ON

The 22 remaining eggs that showed signs of embryonic development were moved into a special laboratory. As 11 eggs had fallen off the rock, the scientists attached these to a special metal mesh with drilled holes.

LITTLE LARVA

Four months after the first egg was laid, a baby olm hatched. The remaining 21 larvae hatched over the next 45 days. Unlike the adults, olm larvae have eyes, pigmented skin and just one pair of legs when they first hatch.

GROWING UP

After two months, the larvae had developed their hind legs. At four months, they entered their juvenile phase. It's thought they stay in this phase for 14 years, growing slowly. Their eyes become covered in skin within two or three years.

December 2018