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Eurasian Water Shrew

Neomys fodiens

The Eurasian Water Shrew is a small mammal that lives near water. It has a dark brown fur coat and loves to swim and dive for food.

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The Eurasian Water Shrew has dark, velvety fur on its back, typically black or dark brown, contrasting sharply with a white or pale grey underside. It is distinguished by its pointed snout, small eyes, and large hind feet fringed with stiff hairs that aid in swimming.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassMammaliaOrderSoricomorphaFamilySoricidaeGenusNeomys
Eurasian Water Shrew
webbed_feet trait badgesolitary trait badgeburrowing trait badgeinsectivorous trait badge
Eurasian Water Shrew

Category

Mammals

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5 · Low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Despite its size, it needs to eat 80% of its body weight every single day!

Eurasian Water Shrews can hunt and even catch prey larger than themselves!

Its tiny heart can beat an amazing 1,200 times per minute when active!

They use simple clicks for navigation, like a very basic form of echolocation!

Special abilities

Ability

Aquatic Propulsion

Eurasian Water Shrew can swim powerfully using paddle-like fringed hind feet for rapid movement through water.

Ability

Buoyancy Control

Eurasian Water Shrew can trap air in its fur to float or release it to sink and walk along riverbeds.

Ability

Waterproof Armor

Eurasian Water Shrew has dense, hydrophobic fur that keeps its body dry and warm even after prolonged dives.

Measurements & details

Length
12-18 cm
Weight
0.01-0.023 kg
Lifespan
1-3 years
Top Speed
6 km/h
Litter Size
4-10
Gestation
19-21 days

Diet & Feeding

A tiny, fierce hunter that preys on insects, small fish, tadpoles, and other aquatic creatures.

Primary Foods

  • Aquatic insects
  • Small fish
  • Tadpoles
  • Snails
  • Crayfish

Foraging Method

  • Pursuit

Ecological connections

eaten by

Tawny Owl

Strix aluco

Preys on shrews, especially young or weakened individuals.

eaten by

Eurasian Otter

Lutra lutra

Opportunistic predator, may consume shrews.

hunts

Three-spined stickleback

Gasterosteus aculeatus

Major food source in aquatic environments.

hunts

Common Frog

Rana temporaria

Eats tadpoles and juvenile frogs.

Traits

Also known as

Water Shrew

Collections

Safety

Danger

2/5 · Low

Avoid touching wild shrews as they may bite when feeling threatened.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Eurasian Water Shrew?

12-18 cm

How much does Eurasian Water Shrew weigh?

0.01-0.023 kg

How long does Eurasian Water Shrew live?

1-3 years

How fast can Eurasian Water Shrew move?

6 km/h

What does Eurasian Water Shrew eat?

A tiny, fierce hunter that preys on insects, small fish, tadpoles, and other aquatic creatures.

Where is Eurasian Water Shrew usually found?

Wetlands

How does Eurasian Water Shrew hunt?

Pursuit

How many babies does Eurasian Water Shrew usually have?

4-10

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