The limbs are short and the paws are webbed in most species. The forefeet are shorter than the hindfeet. The tail is fully haired, thick at the base and tapering to a point, flattened on the underside and in some species on the upper surface. These tactile hairs are sensitive to water turbulence and are used in searching for prey. The ears are small and round, and the nostrils are closed under water, an indication that sound is not important in the location of prey.
Otters consume their catch immediately.
Bones are crushed with well developed premolars. Very occasionally a rogue will enter a hatchery and kill large numbers of fish. These successful predators can quickly hunt down and eat their daily quota of food, which may be about 2.2 lb for Lutra. An otter will have several hunting sessions a day, swimming and feeding for an hour or more before hauling out to rest on the bank. Otters have a very rapid metabolism and a meal will pass through their digestive tract in a few hours - giving them boundless energy on the one hand, but forcing them also to eat at frequent intervals, often four times a day.