ExploreMammals

giant otter

Pteronura brasiliensis

Giant otters are playful animals that live in rivers and lakes in South America. They are known for their loud barks and love to swim together as a family.

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The giant otter has sleek dark brown fur with a unique creamy or white patch on its throat, which is different for every individual. It also has a long, powerful, flattened tail and fully webbed feet, giving it a distinctive appearance.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassMammaliaOrderCarnivoraFamilyMustelidaeGenusPteronura
giant otter
furry trait badgewebbed_feet trait badgesocial trait badgepiscivorous trait badge
giant otter

Category

Mammals

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5 · Low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Each giant otter has a unique throat pattern, like a human fingerprint!

Giant otters are sometimes called 'river wolves' due to their social hunting.

They are the longest members of the weasel family, reaching up to 6 feet long!

They make over 22 different sounds to communicate with their family group!

Special abilities

Ability

River Glider

The giant otter can swim super fast because of its streamlined body and powerful, flattened tail that helps it propel through water.

Ability

Underwater Eyes

The giant otter has clear membranes over its eyes that allow it to see clearly and hunt efficiently underwater.

Ability

Cooperative Hunter

Giant otters can hunt together in groups, which helps them catch larger and faster prey like big fish or even small caimans.

Measurements & details

Length
150-180 cm
Weight
15-32 kg
Lifespan
8-10 years
Top Speed
12 km/h
Litter Size
1-5
Gestation
65-70 days

Diet & Feeding

Giant otters are expert fish hunters, but they also enjoy crabs and other small water creatures!

Primary Foods

  • Fish
  • Crabs
  • Small caimans
  • Snakes

Foraging Method

  • Pursuit

Ecological connections

eaten by

Jaguar

Panthera onca

Jaguars sometimes prey on giant otters near riverbanks.

hunts

Spectacled Caiman

Caiman crocodilus

Giant otters occasionally hunt young spectacled caimans.

hunts

Peacock Bass

Cichla temensis

Giant otters frequently hunt large peacock bass in rivers.

hunts

Spotted Catfish

Pimelodus maculatus

Catfish are a common food source for giant otters.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

2/5 · Low

Always watch from a distance and do not disturb wild animals like otters.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is giant otter?

150-180 cm

How much does giant otter weigh?

15-32 kg

How long does giant otter live?

8-10 years

How fast can giant otter move?

12 km/h

What does giant otter eat?

Giant otters are expert fish hunters, but they also enjoy crabs and other small water creatures!

Where is giant otter usually found?

Wetlands

How does giant otter hunt?

Pursuit

How many babies does giant otter usually have?

1-5

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