Proteus

In Greek mythology, the warden of the sea beasts of Poseidon; his flocks were usually said to comprise of seals. He possessed the gift of prophecy but could transform himself into many forms to evade questioning.

At midday he would recline in the shadow of the rocks and if he was seized at that time, and his shape-changing ploys proved unsuccessful, would resume his appearance and foretell the future.

Proteus

Typical genus of the family Proteidae that contains tailed amphibians of the order Urodela; the three species are commonly known as olms. They are about 30 cm/12 in long and white with red gill-bunches in the dark, but in the light they become black. They are blind, with eyes completely covered with skin, and they have small, weak limbs. Spawning takes place in April, and the eggs are fastened singly to stones. Their habitat is confined to the subterranean waters of parts of the Balkans.