Otters in captivity are often seen juggling like this. Small-Clawed Otters (Aonyx cinereus) DIET In the Wild High metabolic rate, rapid digestion, 40-60% time in wild spent foraging/feeding In wild eat 20% of body weight per day in meals of ~500g In wild eat wide variety of food, majoring on crustaceans and molluscs Recommended Diet 20% freshwater fish, preferably fresh not frozen In the wild the otters eat primarily crustaceans and mollusks but will also eat fish, insects, amphibians and reptiles. For the most part, they eat fish, and, for that reason, we can call them carnivores. River otters eat mostly frogs, crabs, crayfish, fish and mollusks. They primarily eat marine mammals including seals, sea lions, walruses, baleen whales, other toothed whales, and occasionally sea otters. Otters are accustomed to preying on live animals; hunting is an integral part of an otter’s life. They have also been known to eat aquatic plants and to prey on other small mammals, such as muskrats or rabbits.They have a very high metabolism, so they need to eat frequently. The otters also ranged in age between three months and 19 years old. Otters weigh 35-90 pounds (males weigh more than females). However, in captivity, they can live for up to twice as long. Otter live to around 12 years old in the wild, and longer in captivity. Diet. During the spring months amphibians form a large part of their diet. Asian small-clawed otters use their forepaws rather than their mouth to locate and capture food items. Sea otters have a high metabolic rate (that is, they use a high amount of energy) that is 2-3 times that of other mammals their size. However, some otter … In the wild, they mostly eat fish, while sea-dwelling otters use stones to break open mollusks. Despite popular belief, otters don’t feed on berries and plants. As is the case with many species, Eurasian otters tend to live longer in captivity than in the wild. Diet. The two breeds have different diets, where Asian small-clawed eat shellfish and crabs while smooth-coated otters prey on fish. The transient ecotype in the eastern North Pacific hunt marine mammals including sea otters. To sustain a captive population of Asian small-clawed otters, the nutritional needs of the species must be met. In captivity, diets can vary somewhat but need to provide a lot of basic nutrients. River otters eat a variety of aquatic wildlife, such as fish, crayfish, crabs, frogs, birds’ eggs, birds and reptiles such as turtles. What do otters eat? As for its life expectancy, the otter can live for up to between eight and fifteen years in the wild. Otters will mainly feed on fish (40-90% of their diet)and will take a variety of species depending on the time of year, species such as carp, stickleback and eels. 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