ExploreMammals

African clawless otter

Aonyx capensis

The African clawless otter is a playful and curious animal that loves to swim and explore. They have webbed feet and can dive underwater to find food like fish and crabs.

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The African clawless otter has thick, dark brown fur, often lighter on its belly and throat. Its face and neck typically feature white or cream-colored markings. A unique trait is its partially webbed, dexterous front paws which lack visible claws.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassMammaliaOrderCarnivoraFamilyMustelidaeGenusAonyx
African clawless otter
furry trait badgewebbed_feet trait badgesocial trait badgepiscivorous trait badge
African clawless otter

Category

Mammals

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5 · Low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

An otter's fur is so dense, it traps air to keep them warm and buoyant!

Otter families communicate with chirps, whistles, and even growls to stay connected!

These otters can grow to be as long as a small adult human!

They use clever hand movements to twist open shells, almost like magic!

Special abilities

Ability

Tactile Hunter

African clawless otter can use its highly sensitive, clawless paws to expertly feel for and grab prey underwater.

Ability

Whisker Radar

African clawless otter has long, sensitive whiskers that help it detect fish and crustaceans in dark or muddy water.

Ability

Shell Cracker

African clawless otter can use its strong jaws to crush hard shells of crabs and mollusks, reaching tasty meals inside.

Measurements & details

Length
70-100 cm
Weight
10-21 kg
Lifespan
10-17 years
Top Speed
12 km/h
Litter Size
1-5
Gestation
63 days

Diet & Feeding

These otters love to eat fish, crabs, and other small water creatures they find with their sensitive paws!

Primary Foods

  • crabs
  • fish
  • frogs
  • mollusks
  • crayfish
  • insects

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

hunts

Nile Tilapia

Oreochromis niloticus

A key source of protein in their aquatic diet.

hunts

River Crab

Potamonautes sidneyi

Easily caught with their nimble, clawless paws.

eaten by

Nile Crocodile

Crocodylus niloticus

A dangerous predator in the otter's watery home.

eaten by

African Rock Python

Python sebae

Can ambush otters near water bodies.

Traits

Also known as

Clawless Otter

Collections

Safety

Danger

2/5 · Low

Always watch otters from a distance and never try to touch them in the wild.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is African clawless otter?

70-100 cm

How much does African clawless otter weigh?

10-21 kg

How long does African clawless otter live?

10-17 years

How fast can African clawless otter move?

12 km/h

What does African clawless otter eat?

These otters love to eat fish, crabs, and other small water creatures they find with their sensitive paws!

Where is African clawless otter usually found?

Wetlands

How does African clawless otter hunt?

Foraging

How many babies does African clawless otter usually have?

1-5

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