1. Tool Usage:
- Sea otters are renowned for their tool usage. They employ rocks or other hard objects as anvils to break open the tough shells of their prey.
2. Grooming and Cleaning:
- Before diving underwater, sea otters spend a significant amount of time grooming and cleaning themselves. This helps them maintain their fur and stay buoyant in the water.
3. Diving:
- Sea otters are skilled divers that can reach depths of up to 100 meters (328 feet) in search of prey.
4. Capture Prey:
- Sea otters use their dexterous forepaws to capture their prey. They may scoop up invertebrates from the seafloor or grab fish, crabs, or other marine creatures.
5. Storing Food:
- Sea otters have a unique adaptation known as a "food pouch" or "skin pocket" located under their forelimbs. They use this pouch to temporarily store food items while diving or foraging.
6. Floating on Backs:
- Sea otters often float on their backs while eating, using their chest or belly as a support. This allows them to keep their heads above water while munching on their prey.
7. Breaking Shells:
- When consuming hard-shelled prey, such as clams, mussels, or sea urchins, sea otters use their rocks as anvils. They place the prey on the anvil and crack the shells open with repeated strikes.
8. Consuming Food:
- Once the shells are broken open, sea otters use their teeth and tongues to extract and consume the soft tissues of their prey.
9. Fur Maintenance:
- Sea otters have the densest fur of any mammal. They constantly groom and clean their fur, removing dirt, debris, and any leftover bits of food after eating.
10. Energy Conservation:
- Sea otters require a significant amount of food due to their high metabolic rate. They spend several hours a day foraging and eating to maintain their energy levels and body heat.
By employing these specialized behaviors and adaptations, sea otters can efficiently capture, process, and consume their preferred prey, which largely consists of marine invertebrates and small fish.