| a chiefly aquatic insectivore, Potamogale velox, of western Africa, that resembles an otter, having sleek, brown fur and a flattened tail. |
otter shrew
any of three species of amphibious and carnivorous tropical African insectivores that are not "true" shrews (family Soricidae). All are nocturnal and den in cavities and burrows in stream banks; tunnel entrances are underwater. Otter shrews have small eyes and ears and a fleshy broad, flat muzzle that ends in a leathery pad. The muzzle is covered abundantly with sensitive whiskers. The margins of the hind feet have fringes of skin, and the second and third toes are fused
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