The giant otter or giant river otter[4] (Pteronura brasiliensis) is a South American carnivorous mammal. It is the longest member of the weasel family, Mustelidae, a globally successful group of predators, reaching up to 1.8 m (5 ft 11 in).

Dec 3, 2022 · Enhydriodon omoensis and Enhydriodon dikikae were the largest otters ever, with omoensis edging out. Enhydriodon omoensis was estimated to weigh more than 440 pounds, which is more than three times the size of the average human.

The Giant otter has the shortest fur of all otter species; it is typically chocolate brown but may be reddish or fawn, and appears nearly black when wet. The fur is extremely dense, so much so that water cannot penetrate the skin.

Mar 5, 2025 · Enhydriodon omoensis, a prehistoric otter that roamed what is now Ethiopia between 3.5 and 2.5 million years ago, is the undisputed champion. Weighing an estimated 200 kilograms (440 pounds), this giant dwarfed even the largest modern otters.

The Giant Otter is a species of large-size endangered otters from South America. At around 6 feet in length, this animal is the world’s largest species of otters. It is a member of the Mustelid family that also includes weasels, skunks, and ferrets, all of which have strong scent glands.

Oct 9, 2023 · The giant river otter, Pteronura brasiliensis, also known as the giant otter, is the world’s longest, and second-heaviest, otter species. It is native to South America, where it is found in the Amazon, Orinoco, and La Plata river systems.

3 days ago · The title of the largest giant river otter belongs to an extinct specimen that existed millions of years ago. This particular giant river otter, estimated to weigh a staggering 200 kilograms (440 pounds), is the largest otter ever described. Its existence is recorded in the fossil record, dating back to between 3.5 and 2.5 million years ago.

Find out why the world’s largest otter has become endangered. Learn how their webbed feet, fur, and ears are perfectly adapted to their riverine environment.

Mar 4, 2025 · The world’s largest otter is the Giant River Otter (Pteronura brasiliensis). This magnificent creature, also sometimes referred to as the “river wolf,” is a member of the Mustelid (weasel) family and is exclusively found in the rivers and wetlands of South America.

The giant otter is the longest of the otter species but shares a similar weight with the sea otter. Male giant otters can attain a length of 1.5-1.7m (4.9-5.6ft). Females are smaller at 1-1.5m (3.3-4.9ft). Their long tail may add as much as 70cm (28in) to this body length. An average giant otter will weigh between 22 and 32kg (49-71lbs).