European otter vs Lesser devilray

Lutra lutra compared with Mobula kuhlii

Key Differences

• European otter is Vulnerable while Lesser devilray is Endangered.

Taxonomic Classification

Rank	European otter	Lesser devilray
Kingdom same	Animalia (Animals)	Animalia (Animals)
Phylum same	Chordata (Chordates)	Chordata (Chordates)
Class	Mammalia (Mammals)	Elasmobranchii
Order	Carnivora (Carnivorans)	Myliobatiformes (Myliobatiformes)
Family	Mustelidae (Weasels & Otters)	Myliobatidae
Genus	Lutra (Otters)	Mobula
Species	Lutra lutra	Mobula kuhlii

Evolutionary Relationship

European otter and Lesser devilray share a common ancestor at the Phylum level: Chordata. (Chordates)

Conservation Status

European otter

VU — Vulnerable

Trend: Stable →

Lesser devilray

EN — Endangered

Physical Characteristics

Attribute	European otter	Lesser devilray
Diet	Carnivore	—
Average Lifespan	10 years	—
Average Length	1.0 m	—
Average Weight	10.0 kg	—

Habitat & Geographic Range

European otter

Habitat

Typically found in diverse ecosystems where prey species are available.

Range

Found across Europe (6 countries). Currently classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, this species faces significant conservation challenges across its range.

Lesser devilray

European otter

Sleek semi-aquatic mustelid found along clean rivers, streams, and coastlines across Europe and Asia. European otters can reach 1.3 meters in length and are highly skilled fish hunters, using sensitive whiskers to detect prey movements. Requiring unpolluted water with abundant fish, they are an indicator species for freshwater ecosystem health. Once nearly extinct in Western Europe from hunting and pollution, populations have recovered significantly following water quality improvements.