Skip to content
NorthFactsFacts first, Canada's reference desk
Nature

Giant Otter

What is giant otter?

· James MacDonald

Key facts

Scientific name Pteronura brasiliensis[1]
Size Up to 6 feet[1]
Weight 75 pounds[1]
Conservation status Endangered[1]
Range Amazon, Orinoco, and La Plata river systems[1]

The giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) is the world's largest otter species, native to South America and found in the Amazon, Orinoco, and La Plata river systems. It is listed as Endangered.

Context

The giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) is a South American species and the largest otter in the world [1]. It lives in the Amazon, Orinoco, and La Plata river systems [1]. Its conservation status is Endangered [1]. The giant otter is highly social and lives in groups [1]. It primarily eats fish [1]. It is also known as the giant river otter [1].

Documented claims

  • The giant otter is the largest otter species in the world. [1]
  • It is endemic to South America. [1]
  • It primarily eats fish. [1]

Questions and answers

Are giant otters friendly?

Giant otters are highly social and live in groups, but their behavior toward humans is not described in the sources [1].

What is the biggest otter ever recorded?

The giant otter is the largest otter species, reaching up to 6 feet in length and weighing up to 75 pounds [1].

Has a jaguar ever killed a giant otter?

The sources do not mention jaguar predation on giant otters.

How many giant otters are left?

The sources do not provide a population estimate for giant otters.

Sources

  1. 7 fascinating facts about giant otters - Discover Wildlife — discoverwildlife.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)

Sources last checked August 3, 2026. · More in Nature