Wildlifeof Thailand
Asian Small-clawed Otter
Mustelidae
Photo: Hamas Fathani · CC-BY-SA (May be cropped or resized)
Lutra cinerea
Basic stats
Diet
Crabs and other crustaceans, molluscs, fish, amphibians and other small animals
Litter size
1–6 young, usually 1–2
Gestation period
About 60 days
The Asian small-clawed otter is the smallest otter and is built for searching rather than pursuing large fish. Its sleek dark-brown body has short limbs, partially webbed toes and unusually reduced claws that do not project beyond the toe pads. These dexterous forefeet are used to feel for crabs, molluscs and other prey in mud and shallow water (Singapore NParks species account; Animal Diversity Web).
It lives in social family groups and may be active by day or night. Pairs are monogamous; gestation lasts about 60 days and a litter contains one to six young, usually one or two. Crabs dominate the diet in a Thai field study, with fish and amphibians also recorded (Animal Diversity Web; IUCN species assessment). It is Nationally Vulnerable (Thailand Red Data 2025).
Quick answers
- What does the Asian Small-clawed Otter eat?
- Crabs and other crustaceans, molluscs, fish, amphibians and other small animals
- What is the litter size of the Asian Small-clawed Otter?
- 1–6 young, usually 1–2
- How long is the gestation period of the Asian Small-clawed Otter?
- About 60 days