The Smooth-coated Otters (Lutrogale perspicillata) are a perennial favourite of mine. From the early days of my wildlife photography journey, I have encountered and written about them here, here and here.
I continue to bump into them repeatedly in recent years, but unique photographic opportunities have been rarer.
On an early morning in April this year, I managed to track down a family of these otters at Sungei Serangoon near to the barrage. Lighting condition was still low, but these otters were happily frolicking by the bank of the river. One of them had a fish and seem more interested in eating than playing with the rest of the group. My long lens setup was ideal for some close-up shots, as it was unconcerned about my presence, while the rest went away soon after.
What’s with the mention of wasabi? Go to the photo gallery to find out.
Photo Gallery
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- The initial realisation that it was being photographed.
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- Almost look like it was smiling for the camera.
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- Showing a nice set of teeth
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- The fish is a tilapia which seems abundant in the river.
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- Side view of the otter gnawing at the tilapia.
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- The ‘wasabi’, which seems to be the stomach content of the fish
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- Smooth-coated otter with green slime coated mouth. A bit of water action made for a better shot.
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- Due to the high frame rate of my camera, there were a lot of micro-expression caught. I had to cull the number of shots to a reasonable amount for posting.
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- The grasp of their hand almost seems human
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- Seems like the otter was looking intently at the half eaten fish, perhaps realising that green substance seems a bit off in taste.