OTTER SHREW

any of the three species of west equatorial African mammals composing the subfamily Potamogalinae of the tenrec (q.v.) family (Tenrecidae). Some authors separate them as the family Potamogalidae (of the order Insectivora). They are carnivorous and semi-aquatic, in streams and estuaries. All are long bodied, with laterally flattened tails, used for propulsion underwater, and dense brown and white fur. The largest species is Potamogale velox, often called giant water shrew; it may be 64 centimetres (25 inches) long, including its 29-cm tail. It has skin flaps on the inner sides of the hindfeet. The two species of the genus Micropotamogale (including Mesopotamogale) are smaller.