ExploreMammals

spotted-necked otter

Hydrictis maculicollis

The spotted-necked otter is a playful and curious animal that loves to swim! With its beautiful spotted neck, it can often be seen diving and playing in rivers and lakes.

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The spotted-necked otter has sleek, dark brown to reddish-brown fur with a paler underside, and distinctive white or cream-colored spots and blotches on its throat and neck. It possesses a short, blunt snout, setting it apart from other longer-snouted otter species. Its overall appearance is streamlined for aquatic life.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassMammaliaOrderCarnivoraFamilyMustelidaeGenusHydrictis
spotted-necked otter
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spotted-necked otter

Category

Mammals

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5 · Low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Sometimes, entire otter families will share a single den, making their homes very cozy!

Spotted-necked otters communicate using chirps, whistles, and growls to chat with each other!

These clever otters often hunt together, working as a team to catch slippery fish prey!

They often slide down muddy banks into water, creating their own natural waterslides for fun!

Special abilities

Ability

Aquatic Navigator

The spotted-necked otter can navigate murky waters because of its sensitive whiskers that detect prey movement, helping them hunt.

Ability

Underwater Swimmer

Spotted-necked otters have webbed feet that help them paddle powerfully and swiftly through water, making them excellent hunters.

Ability

Waterproof Coat

This otter has dense, insulating fur that traps air, keeping it warm and dry even after long dives in cold water.

Ability

Breathing Control

Spotted-necked otters can hold their breath for several minutes, thanks to special flaps that seal their ears and nostrils.

Measurements & details

Length
100-137 cm
Weight
3-6.5 kg
Lifespan
10-15 years
Top Speed
12 km/h
Litter Size
1-6
Gestation
60-65 days

Diet & Feeding

These otters are expert hunters, mainly feasting on fish, crabs, and frogs in the water.

Primary Foods

  • Fish
  • Crabs
  • Frogs
  • Mollusks
  • Aquatic insects

Foraging Method

  • Pursuit

Ecological connections

hunts

Nile Tilapia

Oreochromis niloticus

A primary fish prey in its African freshwater habitats.

eats

African clawed frog

Xenopus laevis

An amphibian commonly eaten when available in its habitat.

eaten by

Nile Crocodile

Crocodylus niloticus

Large crocodiles prey on otters, especially young ones.

eaten by

African Rock Python

Python sebae

These large snakes can ambush and consume otters near water.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

2/5 · Low

Always watch from a distance and never try to touch wild animals like otters.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is spotted-necked otter?

100-137 cm

How much does spotted-necked otter weigh?

3-6.5 kg

How long does spotted-necked otter live?

10-15 years

How fast can spotted-necked otter move?

12 km/h

What does spotted-necked otter eat?

These otters are expert hunters, mainly feasting on fish, crabs, and frogs in the water.

Where is spotted-necked otter usually found?

Wetlands

How does spotted-necked otter hunt?

Pursuit

How many babies does spotted-necked otter usually have?

1-6

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