The Asian small-clawed otter dwells in the freshwater wetlands and mangrove swamps of Southeast Asia and is the smallest otter in the world. Known for its energetic nature, the Asian small-clawed otter spends more time on land than any other otter. In nature, the Asian small-clawed otters have been observed sliding on mud banks and chasing one another through the water. This energetic nature is believed to be a result of the otter’s rapid metabolism which allows it to digest food quickly. The Asian small-clawed otter is a carnivore and feeds on mollusks, fish, frogs, crabs and other crustaceans.

One of the biggest threats to the otter is the development of the wetlands to accommodate the growing populations of Asia. The otter is close to being qualified as vulnerable by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) and is listed as lower risk on the IUCN Red List. You can enjoy watching these otters play in the River Scout gallery at the Georgia Aquarium.

• The body of this otter is elongated so that it can easily move through water.
• It has partially webbed feet for swimming.
• Whiskers help it to detect changes in water current and pressure.
• Otters are members of the mustelid family, related to badgers, polecats, minks and weasels.
• After the female gives birth, both parents stay together to raise the young.

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