Lioncrusher's Domain > Viverridae > Aquatic Genet
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Range      First Described By      J.A. Allen, 1919  Taxonomy     Kingdom: Animalia   Phylum: Chordata   Class: Mammalia   Order: Carnivora   Family: Viverridae   Subfamily: Viverrinae   Genus: Genetta   Species: piscivora  Physical Attributes     Shoulder Height:        ?   Head and Body Length:        17.75-19.75 in. (45-50 cm)   Tail Length:        13.75-16.5 in. (35-42 cm)   Weight:        3 lb. (1.4-1.5 kg)  Life Information     Gestation: ?   Litter size: ?   Age at sexual maturity:       Male: ?       Female: ?   Life Span: ?  Status   IUCN: Data Deficient  Also Known As     Congo water civet   Fishing genet  Scientific Name Synonyms     Osbornictis piscivora

Aquatic Genet (Genetta piscivora) Range and Habitat The aquatic genet inhabits the equatorial rainforests of central Africa, from the northeastern bank of the Congo river to a rift across eastern and northeastern Congo. Physical Appearance The aquatic genet has a long thin body set on short legs. Their hind legs are longer than the front legs. Their coat is redish brown and is a darker brown to black on the legs, ears and tail. There are two elongated white spots between the eyes. They lack spots or bands on the body, and the tail is solid black, without rings. The palms of its feet are naked. Aquatic genets have relatively small teeth compared to other genet species. The premolars are larger and more developed. Diet The acquatic genet feeds mainly on fish and other aquatic creatures such as frogs. Even though it feeds on fish, it is not a good swimmer. They avoid getting wet whenever possible. It fished by tapping its paw on the surface of the water to attract fish. It then places its whiskers against the suface of the water to detect movement of fish underneath the surface. When a fish is detected, the genet dives in. Behavior There is not much known about the behaviors of this animal in the wild, but they are believed to be solitary.   Online References Animal Diversity Web: Genetta piscivora IUCN Red List of Threatened Species - Osbornictis piscivora

© Lioncrusher/Rebecca Postanowicz, 1997-2008.

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