Asian small-clawed otters

The smallest of the 13 otter species also happens to be one of the biggest SeaWorld stars! Asian small-clawed otters are only 26 to 37 inches long and weigh just 2 to 11 pounds. As their name tells us, they have small, blunt peglike claws. These claws, combined with their sensitive paws, help otters catch crustaceans, molluscs, and frogs from the silty riverbeds of their home range.

Communication
Although they are extremely vocal, scent is the most important communication for these otters and all freshwater otters. Each otter’s scent is an individual as a fingerprint. They use their scent to mark their territory, which they vigilantly patrol and defend.

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Because there has been little long-term observation of this species in the wild, most of what we know about their life cycle comes from observations of captive animals.

This species' oestral cycle is 24-30 days, with a 3-day oestrus, indicated by a swollen vulva and rubbing of the female's underside along the ground. Breeding is thus not seasonal. The otters form monogamous pairs that mate for life, with the female being dominant. Mating usually takes place in water, but is sometimes seen on land..