Scientific Name – Proteus anguinus

Classification – Proteidae

Baby Name – Efts

Collective Noun – Congress, band or maelstrom

Average Length – 20–40 cm

Average Weight – 0.1 to 5.3 oz

Top Speed – 8km/h (5mph)

Life Expectancy – Average – 68.5 years; Maximum – more than 100 years

Mating Season – No specific time

Incubation Period – 2 to 6 months

Special Features – Entirely aquatic

Family Unit – Social creatures except sexually active males who establish and defend territories where they attract females; encounters between males are just display as fighting turns out to be an energetically costly affair

Geographical Distribution – Europe

World Population – Unknown

Conservation Status – Vulnerable

Natural Habitat – Underwater caves

Diet – Worms, aquatic insects, larvae, snails

Predators – Fish, toads, birds