Unlike those of most amphibians, olm larvae do not go through a distinct period of metamorphosis. Instead, the hatchling juveniles have developed directly into adults, retaining some of their larval characters such as gills and tail fins. Environmental temperature plays an important role in the development of eggs as well as juveniles. Within the range of 8° to 15°C, development time is relatively shorter (86 days) in warm temperatures and longer (182 days) in cold temperatures.
Development - Life Cycle: neotenic/paedomorphic; metamorphosis