How does a rat‑otter look? - briefly
A rat‑otter is a compact, semi‑aquatic mammal with brown, glossy fur, a long, slender body, and a short, thick tail resembling that of a rat. It possesses webbed feet, a pointed snout, and dark, beady eyes that give it a distinctly otter‑like appearance.
How does a rat‑otter look? - in detail
The rat‑otter is a small semi‑aquatic mammal whose body combines traits of both rodents and mustelids. Its overall length, including tail, ranges from 30 to 45 cm, while the body alone measures 20 to 30 cm. Weight typically falls between 250 g and 400 g.
The head is rounded with a short muzzle, resembling that of a rat. Large, dark eyes sit high on the skull, providing binocular vision suited for low‑light environments. The ears are compact, covered by dense fur, and lie close to the skull to reduce drag while swimming.
Fur is thick, water‑repellent, and varies in coloration from dark brown on the dorsal surface to lighter brown or gray on the ventral side. A distinct stripe of black fur runs laterally from the shoulders to the base of the tail, creating a visual contrast useful for species identification.
The tail is long, laterally flattened, and covered with dense, oily fur. This structure functions as a rudder, enabling precise maneuvering in water. When the animal is on land, the tail remains erect, providing balance during rapid movements.
Limbs are short but robust. Forefeet possess five partially webbed digits, each tipped with small, sharp claws for digging and gripping slippery surfaces. Hind feet are similarly webbed, with a larger central pad that aids propulsion. The claws are retractable, allowing silent movement on land and efficient swimming.
Dentition reflects an omnivorous diet: incisors are continuously growing, chisel‑shaped for gnawing, while molars are flattened for crushing aquatic invertebrates and plant matter.
Overall, the rat‑otter’s morphology—compact body, streamlined tail, webbed feet, and dual‑color fur—optimizes it for a lifestyle that alternates between terrestrial burrows and freshwater habitats.