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Animal profile

Water Opossum

Chironectes minimus

MammaliaClear freshwater streams, rivers and lakes in tropical and subtropical forestLeast Concern

Field profile

The water opossum, or yapok, is the only truly aquatic marsupial. It has webbed hind feet, dense water-repellent fur and a marbled grey and black coat. It hunts fish, crustaceans and aquatic insects at night, feeling for them with sensitive forepaws.

Scope note

This is an editorial profile, not a diagnostic field-identification guide or a substitute for current conservation assessments. Follow the cited sources on each fact for the evidence trail.

Published field notes

2026-07-09

Water Opossum

The yapok has a watertight pouch

A female water opossum dives with young aboard. A ring of muscle draws her rear-opening pouch closed and a greasy secretion seals it, keeping the young dry through dives that last well under a minute.

Read with evidence →

Water Opossum | Daily Animal Facts