Water Opossum

Chironectes minimus

Very rareMammal

The Water Opossum is the world's only semi-aquatic marsupial, with webbed hind feet, a waterproof pouch that can be sealed shut while the mother dives, and a boldly patterned black-and-gray coat. It swims through streams using its hind feet and tail as propulsion while catching fish and crayfish. It inhabits tropical streams from Mexico through South America.

Habitat

Clean tropical streams and rivers in forested areas

Diet

Fish, crayfish, mollusks, and aquatic invertebrates

How common

Very rare

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