This otter is bigger that the Eurasian otter and has short smooth fur and large webbed feet.  It is variable in colour from nearly black to sandy brown with a white to yellow chin and throat patch.  The feet are large and webbed and they have a flattened tail.

It occurs in south east Asia from Indonesia through to China and lives in rivers, estuaries and mangrove swamps and requires undisturbed vegetation adjacent to the water.  It lives alongside the Asian short clawed otter and often with the Eurasian. 

The Facts 

Conservation Status: Vulnerable.

Length 1.21 m

Weight:7 to 10kg

Diet: fish, shellfish and crustaceans

Distribution of the Smooth Coated Otter (Lutra perspicillata)

Data based on Otters and Action Plan for their conservation (IUCN 1990) and world otters (IOSF 2005)