25 Amazing Aquatic Mammals You Have To See

Also known as the Pink Dolphin, the Amazon River Dolphin is only found in freshwater of the Amazon and Orinoco river basins. It’s a relatively abundant species but is currently considered vulnerable due to man-made dams.

The Ladoga Seal, also called the Ringed Seal, is the most common and smallest seal in the Arctic.

A semi-aquatic rodent, the North American Beaver has transparent eyelids which help it see under water and very sharp teeth to chew wood and build its dams. They play an important part in the environment and help it thrive.

A bizarre looking aquatic mammal, the Amazonian Manatee has two forelimbs but no hind limbs. It’s the smallest of the Manatee species.

The Eurasian Otter lives in freshwater habitats in Europe. Fish, frogs, and even birds are all part of their diet.

Much like hippos in Africa, the Capybara loves to be in water and mud in the Andes and South American riverbanks. Also similar to hippos, its eyes, ears, and mouth are at the top of its head, allowing it to stay mostly below the water while it observes what’s going on above.

With water repellent fur, webbed feet, and long bodies, the North America River Otter is built to propel itself through its aquatic home. They can hold their breath underwater for up to eight minutes.

The first scientists to examine the Platypus thought they were being pranked. A combination of a duck, beaver, and otter, it is one of only two mammals that lay eggs. The males are also venomous.

They love water so much that the Greeks named them “River Horse.” Hippos are good swimmers and can hold their breath for up to five minutes.

Considered a vulnerable species, the Indian Rhinoceros lives primarily in Northern India and Nepal. While they have significant differences from their African relatives, one of the most unique is their one horn.

The Yapok, also called the Water Opossum, is the only mammal where both the male and female have pouches. They’re considered “loners” and might only have a lifespan of up to three years.

As the world’s smallest warm-blooded diving species, the American Water Shrew’s feet have hairs which help propel it through the water. Even for its size, it’s a relatively large type of shrew.

Often mistaken for rats, the European Water Vole is widespread in slow-moving rivers and streams. Unfortunately, they prove to be rather easy prey for other predators.

Moose are the largest of deer species and are frequently at home in the water. They even have been known to submerge completely.

An extremely large rodent, the Coypu is originally from South America. They mainly eat aquatic vegetation but have also been known to eat shellfish.

Found in the Arctic Ocean, the walrus is an extremely social mammal with long tusks and whiskers that look like a mustache. While they spend a lot of time on land, they can dive 180 feet deep to get food.

Similar in appearance and behavior to Manatees, the Dugong can be found from East Africa to Australia. They can stay underwater for six months before surfacing.

Much like a Leopard, the Leopard Seal is a fierce predator. They are incredible hunters and the only seal to eat warm-blooded prey.

The Cuvier’s Beaked Whale can be found in all the world’s oceans and even some of its seas. When they hunt, they can submerge to 2,000 meters below the surface of the water.

On the edge of extinction, the Vaquita is a rare mammal not discovered until 1958. They are found in Mexico’s Gulf of California. Due to illegal fishing, the population has decreased drastically in recent years.

Known for their beautiful song that carries through the ocean, it’s thought Humpback Whales use it to communicate. They weigh about 40 tons and are 48 to 62 feet (14 to 19 meters) in size; despite their size, they still are powerful swimmers that migrate long distances every year.

Believe it or not, polar bears are considered aquatic mammals as well. With a thick layer of body fat and a water-repellent coat, they are well insulated from the cold air and water. They’re also pretty good swimmers, keeping a pace of 6 miles per hour (9.6 kph).

The harp seal loves to swim in the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans, remaining submerged for about fifteen minutes. They love to hunt and feed on fish and crustaceans.

Also known as Orcas, Killer Whales are the largest of the dolphins and the most powerful predators, feeding on other marine mammals. They’ve been known to grab seals right off the ice.

Of course, everyone knows and loves the bottlenose dolphin. Using echolocation, dolphins can track their prey with expert precision. They’re also known for their high intelligence.