Cave-dwelling species in captivity?

[Proteus]

Hi out there,

Since I was a child I'm fascinated of cave-dwelling species, and the older I get, the more I learn about them, and as I grow, my love for them grows... So, eventually, I thought about keeping a species at home- first of all I thought about building a tank to house them correctly, I talked to a lot of people, and now I know that I am theoretically able to make up a habitat which should be able to simulate a cave, especially the temperature... Also I think I gained some experience with my other amphibians, so there should be not too much problems.

So, now that I am theoretically able to keep such a species(which, at first, seemed to be a big problem, which actuelly kept me from further thinking), all the more questions appear...

1. Are any cave-dwelling species held and probably even bred in captivity? Most of all I'm interested in Proteus anguinus, but also in Gyrinophilus palleucus, Eurycea spelaea, Haideotriton and all the others...)
2. Is there any way to get such animals legally in Europe, especially Germany?
3. Might there even be someone on this forum who could help me?

I know that most of the most interesting species are endangered and also protected, which doesn't make it easier, but I still can't suppress this dream of mine...

Thank you for reading, and probably answering
Jannes

PS: I wasn't absolutely sure where to post this, so if it doesn't fit in this forum, feel free to move it to a better place...

 

[Azhael]

I too am fascinated by such animals but i´m afraid you are not going to have any luck. None of those species is bred in captivity and available to the hobbyist.

 

[Ltdanicecream]

Albino / Leucistic axolotls looks a lot like cave dwelling species, see if you like them!

 

[Abrahm]

I don't think a hobbyist can get there hands on any of the cave dwelling species. There habitats are too small for them to really be safely harvested so most of them could safely considered threatened or endangered.

I know that the New Orleans Audobon Zoo in Louisiana is breeding Eurycea rathbuni which is pretty awesome. I saw dozens and dozens of these little guys.

 

[Kaysie]

I know that the New Orleans Audobon Zoo in Louisiana is breeding Eurycea rathbuni which is pretty awesome. I saw dozens and dozens of these little guys.

The Detroit Zoo has bred these as well.