How does a water rat feed? - briefly
Water rats capture aquatic insects, crustaceans, small fish and occasional plant matter by diving, swimming, and foraging along riverbanks, using their whiskers and keen eyesight to locate prey. They transport captured food to the surface or shore where they consume it whole or tear it into manageable pieces.
How does a water rat feed? - in detail
The water rat, a semi‑aquatic rodent, obtains nutrition through a combination of foraging, hunting, and opportunistic scavenging. Its diet consists primarily of aquatic invertebrates—such as insects, crustaceans, and mollusks—supplemented by small fish, amphibian larvae, and occasional plant material like seeds and aquatic vegetation.
Foraging occurs mainly at night. The animal swims close to the water surface, using its whiskers to detect prey movements. When a target is located, it executes a rapid thrust of the forelimbs, captures the item with its dexterous paws, and transfers it to the mouth. The dentition, featuring sharp incisors and flattened molars, allows efficient tearing of exoskeletons and grinding of softer tissues.
Digestive processing follows a typical rodent pattern:
- Stomach secretes hydrochloric acid and enzymes to break down protein-rich meals.
- Small intestine absorbs amino acids, fatty acids, and simple sugars.
- Large intestine ferments residual plant fibers, producing volatile fatty acids for additional energy.
Water rats also display opportunistic behavior. During low water levels, they raid the banks for earthworms and insects, while in flood conditions they may scavenge carrion that drifts into their habitat. Seasonal variations influence prey availability; in warmer months, the proportion of aquatic insects rises, whereas colder periods see an increase in amphibian consumption.
Energy expenditure is balanced by a high metabolic rate. Frequent feeding bouts—approximately every 2–3 hours—maintain body temperature and support the vigorous swimming required for territory patrol and predator evasion.