The Asian small-clawed otter is the smallest of all otters. The fingers on the forepaws are very sensitive and nimble and are used to locate food in the mud beneath the rocks. The otter is very agile on both land and water.
Otters are mostly nocturnal, but can also be active during the day.
Otters live in extended family groups of up to 12 animals with strong bonds between breeding pairs. The female is the dominant partner of the pair. They are very intelligent and curious animals. Otters of all ages like to play both in the water and on land. Scent glands give the otters a heavy musky smell.