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

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

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

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

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

Webbed Feet

These animals have special feet with skin between their toes, which helps them swim super fast!

Solitary

Meet animals that enjoy their independence! These creatures prefer to live by themselves, finding food and shelter on their own.

Burrowing

Dig deep and discover animals that build amazing homes underground! They create tunnels and chambers to stay safe, find food, or escape the weather.

Insectivorous

Discover clever creatures that specialize in munching on insects, playing a super important role in keeping bug populations in check. They are nature's tiny bug vacuums!

Piscivorous

Discover amazing animals that love to eat fish! They're like expert underwater hunters, always on the lookout for a tasty meal from the rivers, lakes, and oceans.

Thermoregulating

Learn about incredible animals that can keep their body temperature just right, no matter how hot or cold it gets outside! They have special ways to stay warm or cool.

Ancient Lineage

These fascinating organisms carry echoes of the deep past, with ancestors that have roamed the Earth for an incredible span of time. They are living links to ancient worlds!

Wetland

These fascinating areas are covered by water for at least part of the year, creating a perfect home for unique plants and animals, like marshes and swamps.

Regenerative

Imagine if you could grow back a lost arm or tail! Some incredible creatures have the power to regrow body parts, making them truly amazing survivors in nature.

Nocturnal

Explore the secret world of animals that come alive at night! They are wide awake when it's dark, using their amazing senses to find food and play.

Venomous

Be amazed by animals that can inject special substances to defend themselves or catch their food! They deliver their potent dose through a bite or a sting.