Swimmer and diver
Breath-holder
The otter can hold its breath for 3 - 4 minutes and swims under water at a speed of 6 - 7 kilometres per hour. But the attack on a fish, from a distance of about one metre, goes much faster.
Dense pelt
The otter's pelt consists of long, coarse hair over a layer of soft woolly hair. The pelt is water-repellent. When the otter is submerged, its hair traps a layer of air that keeps its skin dry.
Webbed paws
The paws are webbed– another adaptation to aquatic life. The beaver is another animal that swims and dives; its pelt and paws are like the otter's.
