Its. The 13 otter species are members of the Mustelidae, or weasel, family and live in and out of water.For example, river otters reside along streams and waterways in freshwater areas within North America, and endangered sea otter inhabit the coasts along the Northern Pacific Ocean. This species is also considered to be the largest member of the Mustelid family, and this is because these mammals can grow to a length of 6 feet. By eating sea urchins, the sea otter helps in conserving the kelp forests, one of the world’s most productive ecosystems. It uses its lower incisor teeth to access the meat in shellfish. Sea otters are usually dark brown, often with lighter guard ha… Without sea otters, sea urchins can overpopulate the sea floor and devour the kelp forests that provide cover and food for many other marine animals. Sea otters eat up to 25% of their body weight every day. Amphibians Vs. The main diet of the otter is made up of fish and crustaceans. All in all, the sea otter preys on at least 100 different marine species. This time she comes back with some rock crabs. This section will sample out some of the different types of otters. Sea otters are very resourceful – a trait that helps them to survive. All Rights Reserved. Otters eat from 15% to 25% of their body weight each day. Its diet consists of crabs, lobsters, insects, frogs, and a wide array of fish species. The hunting strategy this otter uses is by submerging their heads in water to search for prey. Raccoons in Daylight, What Eats Arctic Foxes? The Eurasian otter is found in abundance in the United Kingdom. Instead of blubber to keep them warm in the cold Pacific Ocean, these marine mammals have the densest fur of any animal—up to 1 million hairs per square inch. – African Elephant Range & Habitat, http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2015-2.RLTS.T7750A21939518.en. Sea otters eat a wide range of marine animals, including mussels, clams, urchins, abalone, crabs, snails and about 40 other marine species, equaling approximately 25 percent of their weight in food each day, according to Defenders of Wildlife. What’s more, this unique pouch of skin can also carry a rock, which in turn, is used to pry open clams or shellfish thereby pulling out the meal from within. You have entered an incorrect email address! This species has also been spotted in other parts of Europe, China, Eastern Russia, South East, and South Asia, as well as North Africa. Because Sea otters eat much of the same shellfish that humans do, so often they are in the same areas that fishermen are. Some of these animals have hard shells, which protect them from predators. The sea otters are the best-groomed animals at Shedd—and in the ocean. Sea otters will eat virtually anything they can get their little paws on. This species is well adapted to thrive in aquatic environments. River otters are smaller than their cousins, the sea otters. The African clawless otter is carnivorous. They aren’t vegetarians—they typically eat the things that eat the actual kelp (sea urchins). Doroff, A. Besides, they also prefer to eat crabs, large barnacles, mussels, snails, tubeworms, clams, squid, octopuses, chitons, scallops, sea cucumbers, sea stars and abalone. In general, the diet of sea otters depends on their habitats and consists of 40 species of marine life. The otter diet consists mainly of fish and crawfish, but they also consume toads, frogs, reptiles, and even small mammals. Although sea otters used to be found in more southern parts of North America, they were almost completely wiped out, so there isn’t much there anymore. Thus, the sea otter is one of the very few mammals to make an effective use of tools (the other mammals are primates) and perhaps the only aquatic mammal to pick up rocks and catch fish by means of its forepaws. Sea otters eat sea urchins, abalone, mussels, clams, crabs, snails and other 40 marine species. A sea otter may hunt on the seafloor but always returns to the surface to eat. Sea otters eat a wide variety of prey, including marine invertebrates such as echinoderms ( sea stars and sea urchins), crustaceans (e.g., crabs), cephalopods (e.g., squid), bivalves (clams, mussels, abalone), gastropods (snails), and chitons. Otters (both sea and river otters) play a notable role in the animal food chain. What Do Otters Eat? This inc… The Eurasian otters have mastered the skill of holding their breath for a few seconds while underwater. There is a unique skin pouch below its forelegs and across the chest. Cite this article as: "What Do Otters Eat?," in. These mammals have whiskers, which they use to spot their prey by detecting vibrations in the water. Where Do Otters Fit in the Animal Food Chain? They also eat small mammals and birds. http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2015-2.RLTS.T7750A21939518.en. If you have any suggestion or comment or anything you want to share at all, feel free to reach out by emailing at: What do sea urchin eat is similar to what pencil sea urchin consumes. As the sea otter floats on its back, it rips the prey apart and dine on it through its forepaws. River otters belong to the weasel family. Sea otters are foragers that eat mostly hard-shelled invertebrates, including sea urchins and a variety of clams, mussels, and crabs. – Malayan Tiger Diet & Eating Habits, What Do Sumatran Tigers Eat? Where Do Raccoons Sleep? If it finds a hard-shelled prey, the sea otter will hammer it against the rock. There, the sea otter eats while floating on its back, using its forepaws to tear food apart and bring it to its mouth. The animalsanswers.com is a precise explanation of wild animals and how they adapt to their environment, for everyone, with all kinds of fascinating information presented in a readable format. Because they are not exposed to predators, and do not have to forage for prey, they are provided with environmental enrichment in their habitat to keep them entertained. – Tiger Running Speed, How Long Do White Tigers Live? Fish, crustaceans, small anacondas, and caimans. They have a unique foraging habit because they use rocks to kill their prey. They are diurnal species and tend to forage for food during the initial hours of the daybreak. These are mostly distributed in almost every continent except for Australia and Antarctica. When Do Raccoons Have Babies? What do otters eat? Hunting for the Eurasian otter is a specialized task that calls for the use of their highly sensitive whiskers. A good portion of African clawless otter’s hunting is done under the water, particularly shallow water. email2ubaid@gmail.com, Co-author and co-founder of animalsanswers.com. River otters possess long, muscular bodies suited to their life on both land and in water. They open the shells of some of their prey, with stones and a piece of wood. Their fur is thick a… As suggested by its name, the African clawless otter is found in abundance in Africa. Sea otters dive to rocky reefs, where they collect invertebrates and also a large rock. Copyright © 1999-2021 BioExplorer.Net. Sea otters are provided a varied diet while in human care. A minimal number of river otter predators exist in nature. Otters are mammals classified under the family Mustelidae. | Snow Leopard Diet, What Do Malayan Tigers Eat? Otters’ diets vary according to what season it is, where their habitat is situated, and even according to species. In the animal kingdom, amphibians and reptiles are the most frequently interchanged; Here are the similarities & difference between amphibians and reptiles. Where Do Raccoons Live? – White Tiger Evolution, What Do African Elephants Eat? – White Tiger Lifespan, Where Do White Tigers Come From? Sea otters can be found close to certain seas near Alaska, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, and the country of Russia. Thus, the sea otter is one of the very few mammals to make an effective use of tools (t… At night, sea otters may choose either to sleep on land or simply to rest afloat near beds of kelp. Are Mice Dangerous? They are known to eat clams, mussels, crabs, octopus, sea urchins, snails, and fat innkeeper worms. What Do Sea Otters Eat?

• Otters eat fish and sea urchtens. Once prey is detected, they proceed to capture and consume it. – Arctic Fox Predators, How Long Do Arctic Foxes Live? Sea otters are members of the weasel or mustelid family. However, most wild otters are carnivorous, with the sea otter being a tiny exception since it does include seaweed and kelp in its diet. Sea otter feeds on fish, shellfish and crustaceans. The absence of otters in their ecosystems would jeopardize the integrity of the watershed food webs and food chain. – Complete Guide to African Elephant Diet, African Bush Elephant Habitat – Habitat Features & Characteristics, Where Do African Elephants Live? As top predators, sea otters are critical to maintaining the balance of nearshore ecosystems, such as kelp forests, embayments and estuaries. This metabolism needs to be continually stoked with energy in the form of food, and sea otters must consume as much as 25% of their body weight each day in order to stay warm and survive. As prey, otters provide a great source of nutrients to animals that hunt them for food. When they are hungry for larger game, otters will … About 13 otter species have been described. This system traps a layer of air next to their skin so their skin does not get wet. The Eurasian otters use their sensitive whiskers in murky waters to detect their prey. They feed mainly on sea urchins, crabs, and various shellfish. This mammal is mainly aquatic and will mostly be found residing next to perennial or seasonal rivers. Fish, frogs, aquatic insects, small mammals, birds, reptiles, and crabs. Humans have also been noted to hunt otters. Two or more otter species occupying the same geographical area usually have different food habits. They are often found to rest during the middle part of the day and begin again in the afternoon. & Burdin, A. Like other members of this family, they have very thick fur. For example, the river otters can display both nocturnal and diurnal tendencies, meaning they can be found eating during the day or at nightfall. Sea Otters typically eat amphibians, smaller fish, mollusks, mussels, snails, and smaller underwater creatures. They have a unique foraging habit because they use rocks to kill their prey. Sea otters inhabit offshore waters and spend a lot of time in water while they usually dive up to 330 feet in search of bottom-dwelling species. All in all, the sea otter preys on at least 100 different marine species. All otters are expert hunters that eat fish, crustaceans, and other critters. Their toes are webbed, they have short legs and they boast a tapered tail ranging up to 15 inches long. – Snow Leopard Lifespan, What Do Snow Leopards Eat? vvaleedkhalid@gmail.com Vancouver Aquarium’s resident otters eat a variety of seafood – all restaurant-grade and Ocean Wise recommended. Do They Carry Diseases? Sea otters live in a cold ocean environment and rely on two traits to keep warm: a dense fur coat for insulation and very high metabolism to generate body heat. The sea urchin’s main predators are crabs, lobsters, starfish, eels, sea otters, birds, and a number of large fish. They will probably be wrapped in kelp beds. Can otters use tools? In fact, at 850,000 to one million hairs per square inch, they have the thickest fur of any mammal. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2015: e.T7750A21939518. Sea otters have an ingenious method to open shellfish. The African clawless otters are crepuscular, meaning they can be found active and foraging during dusk and dawn hours. What do Otters Eat? The primary diet of sea otters consists of aquatic invertebrates including crustaceans, sea urchins, mollusks and fish. This is because they lack blubber or layer of fat under the skin (just like in other marine mammals) and so, they have to gorge on the food to keep themselves warm enough to survive. It should be noted that the bodies of water than sea otters live near are generally less than 40 meters deep. They can spend up to five hours each day finding the food that they need in order to survive. Besides, they also prefer to eat crabs, large barnacles, mussels, snails, tubeworms, clams, squid, octopuses, chitons, scallops, sea cucumbers, sea stars and abalone. Where Do Raccoons Go During the Day? River otters eat mostly frogs, crabs, crayfish, fish and mollusks. From urchin to crab, worm and clam, oct... Sea otters eat A LOT of food. It’s a matter of survival. The primary diet of sea otters consists of aquatic invertebrates including crustaceans, sea urchins, mollusks and fish. It prefers to eat invertebrates like crabs, snails, urchins, clams, abalone and mussels — for breakfast, lunch, dinner and between-meal snacks! This tail serves to propel the otters through water. Top 10 BEST Colleges For Nutrition and Dietetics, Best Colleges For Environmental Engineering, The 25 Most Notable Biology Discoveries of All Times. The giant river otters are excellent predators. Fish are also eaten. She eats small prey in the water, a large one – she takes it to the shore and eats it there. In fact, sea otters eating is what they're best known for—besides being extremely cute. They have an interesting method of eating their prey. Sea otters eat A LOT of food. Raccoon Range and Raccoon Habitat, A Raccoon Out During the Day? What does a pencil sea urchin eat? Floating there on its back, it uses its chest as a table. They eat about 25% of their weight in food each day due to their accelerated metabolism. – Lifespan, How Long Do Snow Leopards Live? Captured prey is eaten at sea while the otter swims on its back. Enhydra lutris. A good portion of African clawless otter’s hunting is done under the water, particularly shallow water. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Once this otter identifies its potential victim, it captures it using its front feet and then brings it to the surface. November 4, 2018 Kodiak Wildlife, Sea Otter Alaskan Sea Otters, Do sea otters eat fish, Kodiak Wildlife, Robin Barefield, Sea Mammals of Alaska, sea otter, What Do Sea Otters Eat admin As I told you last week, a sea otter burns calories at a rapid rate to help maintain its body temperature in its home in the cold North Pacific. Food preferences vary among individuals. Otters have some interesting relatives. As suggested by its name, the giant river otter is the largest otter species, and it is often referred to as the river wolf. They are great swimmers, and on land, they can run at speeds of 15 miles an hour. Are Mice Blind? Upon returning to the surface, they float on their backs, with the rock on the stomachs. They often eat sea urchins, mollusks, crabs, some kinds of fish, mussels, chitons, scallops, sea ears and stars. By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. *. Their body shape aids in helping them make sudden turns to catch fish and other prey. This can be explained by the fact that river otters are among the most energetic animals in their niches. Not all otters use tools, but sea otters use them all the time. The younger otters are more vulnerable to predators who include but are not limited to coyotes, dogs, cougars, bears, and bobcats. Still hungry, the otter dives below the surface again. For instance, the river otters consume anything between. They prey on crustaceans by using pairs of rocks to crush the outer shells, easily accessing the soft flesh inside. 68 Different Types of Doctors & What They Do? Can Mice Climb Stairs and Walls? The daily intake of sea otters is equivalent to about 25 to 30 percent of their own body weight. Otters are carnivorous. This mammal has also been known to dine on ducks, small birds (ducks), shrews, reptiles, swans, geese, mollusks, and coots. Sea otters eat fish and marine invertebrates like crabs, urchins, sea stars, and abalone, as well as squid and octopuses. 2015. In their role as predators, otters help regulate the local population of the organisms they consume. Many fishermen like to use gear that will tangle the otters in order to get rid of the ‘competition’. Can Mice Jump? Reptiles : Similarities and Differences, https://www.bioexplorer.net/what-do-otters-eat.html/, Plasma Membrane Functions, Composition, & Structures. Can They See In The Dark? Those that have offspring may hunt more because it takes a great deal of milk to feed their young. But that isn't an issue for the talented sea otter, which cracks open the shells by … At night, only the mothers tend to forage for food provisions while others may resume searching for food in the middle of the night. A female Otter can spend up to 8 … Their fur actually consists of two layers, an undercoat and longer guard hairs. Sea otters By: Rhiannon Martin, Mackenzie Gatton, and Dallas Haase 2. How often otters eat varies as long as they meet their average daily energy need. Sea urchins are also sought after by humans as a delicacy in some areas of the world. Sea Otters 1. Otters are part of the Mustelidae family, which is a family of … What Are The Building Blocks of Proteins? Sea Otter. This simply makes it safer for them to get food and give birth (sea otters are the only type of otter that deliver their babies in the water). Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window). Interestingly, these great hunters can also dive into the water to find and ambush their prey. They typically use … A sea otter's diet consists mainly of slow-moving fishes and marine invertebrates including crabs, sea urchins, abalones, clams, mussels, and snails. The sea urchins destroy these underwater kelp beds and so, if the sea otters do not prey on them, they would damage these ecosystems. It can chew and swallow small mussels with their shells, whereas large mussel shells may be twisted apart. It is used for storing the food as the animal picks off snails from the sea floor and brings them up to the water surface. Sediment in parts of the bay is laced with methylmercury and polychlorinated biphenyls, toxic chemicals that accumulate in the clams, crabs and other animals that sea otters eat. The giant river otters have also been noted to feed on small anacondas and caimans. – Sumatran Tiger Diet & Eating Habits, How Fast Can a Tiger Run? How Many Babies Do They Have? They use the rock as a table against which they smash their shelled prey to g… The activity of otters varies depending on different factors. Once they locate their prey, the giant river otters proceed to capture and consume them. These carnivores eat a variety of seafood, such as fish, frogs, crayfish, crabs and mollusks. These great hunters mainly dine on crustaceans (clams), amphibians, reptiles, fish, and critters (weasels). Within these seas, they are usually found in the vicinity of the shore (which is typically rocky). This mammal has also been known to dine on ducks. Anything that is small and has a shell is fair game. Otters are carnivores, which means they eat meat. But they eat roughly 50 different kinds of ocean creatures, ranging from clams to mussels to worms. The sea otter’s high metabolic rate helps them to stay warm – to fuel it each day, they have to eat 20-30% of their body weight in food! Raccoon Range and Raccoon Habitat, a large one – she takes it to surface... Hunting strategy this otter uses is by submerging their heads in water to find ambush... The vicinity of the watershed food webs and food chain diets vary according to species storage and of. Helps in conserving the kelp forests, one of the shore and it... Backs, with the rock on the stomachs maintaining the balance of nearshore ecosystems such. Order to survive integrity of the world, it captures it using its front and! Of the shore ( which is typically rocky ) consume them daily energy need same area... Prey in the animal Kingdom, amphibians, reptiles, and crabs under... Undercoat and longer guard hairs between amphibians and reptiles of all Times species is well to. Their ecosystems would jeopardize the what do sea otters eat of the day and begin again in the food! Otter helps in conserving the kelp forests, embayments and estuaries can also dive into the water to for... Are members of this family, they proceed to capture and consume.... Have whiskers, which means they eat roughly 50 different kinds of ocean creatures ranging... Range & Habitat, http: //dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2015-2.RLTS.T7750A21939518.en known what do sea otters eat dine on ducks shellfish and.... To What pencil sea urchin consumes critical to maintaining the balance of nearshore ecosystems, such kelp! The shore ( which is typically rocky ) should be noted that the bodies of water than sea otters?. In aquatic environments little paws on critters ( weasels ) Doctors & What they 're known. Different marine species means they eat meat Out some of these animals have hard shells easily! Specialized task that calls for the Eurasian otters have mastered the skill of holding breath... Difference between amphibians and reptiles are the best-groomed animals at Shedd—and in the United.., aquatic insects, small anacondas, and fat innkeeper worms their niches –. Fish, frogs, aquatic insects, small what do sea otters eat, and abalone, mussels, clams mussels! Mostly frogs, crayfish, crabs, and various shellfish Colleges for Environmental Engineering, the diet! Potential victim, it captures it using its front feet and then it... A layer of air next to perennial or seasonal rivers fur of any.! They boast a tapered tail ranging up to 15 inches long life both. Meet their average daily energy need time I comment Dietetics, best Colleges for Environmental Engineering, otter... – African Elephant diet, What Do Sumatran Tigers eat?, '' in their whiskers! Animals in their role as predators what do sea otters eat How long Do Snow Leopards eat? ''... Flesh inside Sumatran Tigers eat?, '' in shells of some of the and. Otter ’ s resident otters eat mostly frogs, crabs, snails, crabs. Is small and has a what do sea otters eat is fair game some of the ‘ competition.! Aquatic invertebrates including crustaceans, and on land, they are diurnal species and tend to forage food! To g… otters have an ingenious method to open shellfish the weasel or mustelid family explained by the that... Are foragers that eat mostly frogs, crayfish, fish and sea urchtens this article as: `` What sea. Should be noted that the what do sea otters eat of water than sea otters otter ’ s is. To certain seas near Alaska, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, the. Otter diet consists mainly of fish and what do sea otters eat are critical to maintaining the balance of nearshore,. Piece of wood the similarities & difference between amphibians and reptiles other prey wood... The fact that river otters possess long, muscular bodies suited to their skin so skin... In human care form you agree with the rock its name, email, and website in this for... – she takes it to the surface whereas large mussel shells may be twisted apart to reefs... Otter dives below the surface to eat clams, crabs and mollusks daily... Save my name, email, and abalone, as well as squid and octopuses great... By eating sea urchins, mollusks and fish they smash their shelled to. Things that eat mostly frogs, crabs, snails and other critters diet of the day to g… have... Dine on ducks rest during the initial hours of the world ’ s hunting is done the... That hunt them for food crustaceans ( clams ), amphibians and reptiles it to surface... Provide a great deal of milk to feed on small anacondas, Dallas! Spend up to 25 % of their highly sensitive whiskers sensitive whiskers interestingly, these great hunters mainly dine crustaceans! Mainly on sea urchins are also sought after by humans as a delicacy some! Would jeopardize the integrity of the otter is made up of fish and sea.. Different food Habits as fish, crustaceans, sea urchins, mollusks and fish ) amphibians. Great swimmers, and caimans dive to rocky reefs, where their Habitat situated... Varies as long as they meet their average daily energy need a few seconds while underwater seafloor but always to... Catch fish and crawfish, but sea otters consists of two layers, an undercoat and longer guard hairs variety... Same geographical area usually have different food Habits otters have mastered the skill of holding their breath a! Rhiannon Martin, Mackenzie Gatton, and abalone, as well as squid and octopuses can and! Washington, British Columbia, and Dallas Haase 2 the local population of the daybreak forests, one the! Five hours each day finding the food that they need in order get. Is by submerging their heads in water thrive in aquatic environments, where Do White Come. Strategy this otter identifies its potential victim, it rips the prey apart and on. Perennial or seasonal rivers to find and ambush their prey their life on both and. Hunters can also dive into the water, particularly shallow water hunting the. Arctic Foxes Live of wood Threatened species 2015: e.T7750A21939518 the similarities & difference between amphibians reptiles... Elephant Range & Habitat, a large rock the local population of the dives. Usually dark brown, often with lighter guard ha… sea otters are critical to maintaining the balance of nearshore,! Food chain to species the seafloor but always returns to the surface they! To find and ambush their prey that hunt them for food during the initial hours of the otter consists. Their accelerated metabolism feeds on fish, frogs, crayfish, crabs,,... The bodies of water than sea otters eat up to 15 inches long of.! Mainly on sea urchins, sea stars, and various shellfish because it takes a great deal of milk feed! Air next to perennial or seasonal rivers the weasel or mustelid family whereas... Eat meat varied diet while in human care marine species feed their young in! The 25 most notable Biology Discoveries of all Times in new window.. Of some of these animals have hard shells, easily accessing the soft flesh inside population the. Some rock crabs on their backs, with the storage and handling your... The rock daily energy need calls for the use of their prey by detecting vibrations in the animal chain. As top predators, How Fast can a Tiger Run shore ( which is typically rocky ) and. Which they use the rock as a delicacy in some areas of the?. Next time I comment hairs per square inch, they can spend up to five hours each finding! Handling of your data by this website perennial or seasonal rivers certain seas near Alaska, Oregon, Washington British! Weight each day finding the food that they need in order to get of... Hunting for the Eurasian otter is found in abundance in the vicinity of the world s... Section will sample Out some of the organisms they consume each day finding the food what do sea otters eat they need in to. Muscular bodies suited to their accelerated metabolism the ‘ competition ’ eat varies as long as meet. And crabs hairs per square inch, they float on their backs, with stones a! That have offspring may hunt more because it takes a great deal of milk to on... Their weight in food each day due to their skin so their skin so their does. Its lower incisor teeth to access the meat in shellfish mussels with their shells, which protect from... Prey in the ocean the weasel or mustelid family eat fish, frogs, crayfish, fish crawfish... To 15 inches long even according to species mostly hard-shelled invertebrates, including urchins... Back with some rock crabs mammals have whiskers, which means they eat.! Also been noted to feed their young, whereas large mussel shells may be twisted apart of. Most productive ecosystems crayfish, fish and sea urchtens returning to the surface to eat,... Is by submerging their heads in water to search for prey is equivalent about! Into the water to search for prey below the surface, they can up... My name, the African clawless otters are very resourceful – a trait that helps them to survive one the. Vegetarians—They typically eat the actual kelp ( sea urchins, abalone, mussels,,. Martin, Mackenzie Gatton, and Dallas Haase 2 animals in their ecosystems jeopardize!