European otter vs Saucer Leaf Algae

Lutra lutra compared with Turbinaria tricostata

Key Differences

• European otter is Vulnerable while Saucer Leaf Algae is Not Evaluated.

Taxonomic Classification

Rank	European otter	Saucer Leaf Algae
Kingdom same	Animalia (Animals)	Animalia (Animals)
Phylum	Chordata (Chordates)	Cnidaria (Cnidarians)
Class	Mammalia (Mammals)	Anthozoa
Order	Carnivora (Carnivorans)	Scleractinia (Scleractinia)
Family	Mustelidae (Weasels & Otters)	Dendrophylliidae
Genus	Lutra (Otters)	Turbinaria
Species	Lutra lutra	Turbinaria tricostata

Evolutionary Relationship

European otter and Saucer Leaf Algae share a common ancestor at the Kingdom level: Animalia. (Animals)

Conservation Status

European otter

VU — Vulnerable

Trend: Stable →

Saucer Leaf Algae

NE — Not Evaluated

Physical Characteristics

Attribute	European otter	Saucer Leaf Algae
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.

Saucer Leaf Algae

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.