The marine otter (Lontra felina) is a rare and relatively unknown South American mammal of the weasel family (Mustelidae). The scientific name means "feline otter", and in Spanish, the marine otter is also often referred to as gato marino: "marine cat".

The Marine otter (Lontra felina) is a rare and relatively unknown South American mammal. It is the smallest of the New World otters and the smallest marine mammal. This charismatic marine species displays charm and dexterity. It lives along South America’s Pacific coast.

Marine Otters are extremely small, growing to just over 1m long at their biggest, and weighing up to 5kg. A “protective shell” layer of fur that only the Marine Otter has means that unlike other species, they do not need to seek fresh water to wash off the salt picked up in coastal waters.

Marine otters are foraging predators that eat a wide variety of prey. While they prefer invertebrates, including crabs, clams, and other hard-shelled groups, they are also known to eat some fishes, juvenile birds, and even other mammals. They also scavenge for garbage, bringing them into close contact with people.

The smallest of the new world species, the marine otter is also a very special otter – it is the only exclusively marine species apart from the sea otter. It lives on rocky coasts with an abundance of caves which it uses for shelter and dens. It is known to never stray more than 30 m inland.

Mar 7, 2025 · Marine otters, fascinating members of the weasel family, are uniquely adapted to thrive in the challenging marine environment. Primarily referring to the sea otter (Enhydra lutris), these animals exhibit a remarkable suite of characteristics that distinguish them from their freshwater counterparts.

Sea cats, aka marine otters, Lontra felina (Molina, 1782), are rare and poorly-known marine mammals of the weasel family Mustelidae. They are the most exclusively marine species of the otters of South America, and rarely even venture into freshwater or estuarine habitats.

Marine otters, scientifically classified as Lontra felina, exhibit a distinct geographical presence, primarily inhabiting littoral areas of southwestern South America. Their habitat spans the nearshore regions and intertidal areas of northern Peru, extending from the port of Chimbote.

Learn fun facts about these gentle giants, what conservation efforts are helping to protect them, ways you can be awhale champion and more. As members of the weasel or mustelid family, southern sea otters are the smallest marine mammal. Like other members of this family, they have very thick fur.

Dec 14, 2024 · Marine otters live in extreme conditions — the rocky coasts they inhabit experience extreme swells and strong winds, while the cliffs are often steep, with their dens built into crevices and caves....