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 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.

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, 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.

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.

sea otter, (Enhydra lutris), completely marine otter species of the northern Pacific, usually found in kelp beds. Floating on its back, it opens mollusks by smashing them on a stone balanced on its chest.

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.

2023年9月25日 · The sea otter (Enhydra lutris) is more than just a cute face. This marine mammal plays a pivotal role in maintaining the health and diversity of marine ecosystems.