Why do African clawless otters rely more on their front feet than on vision?

The African clawless otter (Aonyx capensis) relies more on its front feet than on vision because it inhabits murky waterways where visibility is limited.1

In these environments, the otter utilizes its highly developed manual dexterity to locate and extract prey, primarily crabs, from beneath rocks. Unlike other river otters that may hunt visually while chasing fish, the African clawless otter’s handlike, partially webbed front feet are essential for foraging in conditions where sight is ineffective.1