The little yapock opossum is a representative of the aquatic species
(Cheironectes yapock). It is of a fawn-grey tint, with dark black
marks. It measures in length about ten inches, with a tail of twelve or
fifteen inches. The hind-feet are furnished with a membraneous web,
which connects the toes together, and serves as a paddle. The fore-paws
possess great grasping powers, and have a hand-like appearance. The
ears are small, sharp, and pointed, and the head tapering. It possesses
also large cheek-pouches, similar in their use to those of monkeys. It
is thus enabled to stow away the creatures it catches on its aquatic
excursions, and to keep them there till it returns to the shore to dine.
It feeds principally on fish, crustaceans, and aquatic insects. So
similar is it in its habits to the otter, that it is frequently
described as one, and has been called the Demerara otter; but it is in
reality a true opossum.