Congo clawless otter
Quick Summary
The Congo clawless otter, scientifically known as Aonyx congicus, is a species of otter found in Africa. It is closely related to the African clawless otter (Aonyx capensis), with some researchers considering it a subspecies. These otters inhabit murky waterways and are adept at using their hand-like front feet to find food, primarily crabs, from under rocks. Unlike some other otters, they rely more on touch than sight due to their environment. They are part of the weasel family (Mustelidae) and share characteristics with other otter species, such as a slender body and a powerful tail for swimming.123
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
otterFreshwater otters…clawless otters (Aonyx capensis) and Congo clawless otters (A. congicus or A. capensis congicus) occupy murky waterways and thus rely more on manual dexterity than on vision to obtain food (mostly crabs) from under rocks. Their front feet are handlike and partially webbed.
Read More…clawless otters (Aonyx capensis) and Congo clawless otters (A. congicus or A. capensis congicus) occupy murky waterways and thus rely more on manual dexterity than on vision to obtain food (mostly crabs) from under rocks. Their front feet are handlike and partially webbed.
Read More
otterConservation and classificationThe status of the Congo clawless otter (Aonyx congicus) remains a subject of debate. Some researchers consider the animal to be a subspecies of the African small-clawed otter (A. capensis) and hence give it the taxonomic name A. capensis congicus. Most authorities claim, however, that the Congo clawless otter…
Read MoreThe status of the Congo clawless otter (Aonyx congicus) remains a subject of debate. Some researchers consider the animal to be a subspecies of the African small-clawed otter (A. capensis) and hence give it the taxonomic name A. capensis congicus. Most authorities claim, however, that the Congo clawless otter…
Read More