BEHAVIOR & DIET | Smooth-Coated Otters

Information Source: http://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Lutrogale_perspicillata/

Behavior & Communication

The family structure of the Smooth-coated Otters is similar to humans. They have a monogamous mating system, living in family groups of a male (boar/dog), a female (sow/bitch) and a set of pups.

To communicate, Smooth-coated Otters use scent glands at the base of their tail to mark different locations (also known as sprainting). They also use a wide range of visual and auditory cues, such as body postures and squeals to communicate.

You Otter Know! Otters groom themselves by rubbing their cheeks and back against surface of grass and trees.

Reproduction

The sexual maturity of Smooth-coated Otters is reached at 2 years. They give birth to 2 to 5 pups at once, with the gestation period being 61 to 65 days. Newborn pups are blind until after 30 days, where their eyes finally open. Also, they are able to swim only by the 60th day.

Diet

A Smooth-coated Otter eating a tilapia
Image Credit: Francis Yap

Smooth-coated Otters are carnivores which primarily feed on fish, comprising at least 70% of their diet. Otters are natural fishermen, as they often hunt in groups to herd schools of fish together, allowing them to catch the fish easily. Besides fish, they eat insects, earthworms, crustaceans, reptiles, frogs, water rats, turtles and birds.

You Otter Know! Smooth-coated otters can hold their breath underwater for up to eight minutes, allowing them to hunt for underwater prey proficiently.