Least ConcernPygmy White-toothed Shrew
Suncus etruscus
One of the 2 shrews on WAnimals
Mammals · Eulipotyphla · Soricidae
Neomys fodiens
The species is abundant and widely distributed; it faces no significant short-term risk.
It is the only European shrew specialised in hunting underwater, helped by stiff bristles on its feet and tail that act as makeshift fins. Its saliva carries a toxin able to subdue prey far larger than itself.
Weight
12 g – 18 g
Size
6 cm – 10 cm
Life expectancy
1 year
Diet
Piscivore
Feeds mainly on fish.
Activity
Nocturnal
Active mainly at night.
Social structure
Solitary
Lives and hunts alone, joining others only to breed.
Sighting difficulty
Easy
Sources consulted: Animal Diversity Web; World Species; Wildlife Trusts; Wildlife Online; Somerset Mammal Group; Wikipedia; Animalia.bio; SureScreen Scientifics
Best time: All year round in clean-water streams and along their banks; it is glimpsed diving, surrounded by the air bubbles trapped in its fur.
Parks and dive sites where this species has been documented — showing 10 of 196.
Other species in the catalogue with the most in common with Eurasian Water Shrew — same habitat, park, country, tags or family.
Based on what we already know about eurasian water shrew.
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The pins mark the parks where its presence is documented.
