Otters have long, slim bodies and relatively short limbs. Their most striking anatomical features are the powerful webbed feet used to swim, and their seal-like ability to hold their breath underwater. Most have sharp claws on their feet and all except the sea otter have long, muscular tails. There are 13 species of otter.
Diet
For most otters, fish is the staple of their diet. This is often supplemented by frogs, crayfish and crabs. Some otters are experts at opening shellfish, and others will feed on available small mammals or birds.
They are notable for their ability to use stones to break open shellfish on their stomachs. This skill must be learnt by the young.
Behaviour
Otters are playful animals and appear to engage in various behaviors for sheer enjoyment, such as making waterslides and then sliding on them into the water. They may also find and play with small stones. Different species vary in their social structure, with some being largely solitary, while others live in groups – in a few species these groups may be fairly large.
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