[.Arrow.]

Hello, and welcome to Finned Otter Adopts! ^-^

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Main Thread (you are here) - Breeding Thread (WIP) - Fanclub - Roleplay? - Archives
(The above are placeholders for possible future links)

Table of contents:
**First Post ~ Welcome, About Finned Otters, Rules, etc.
Second Post ~ Available Otters
Third Post ~ Staff Information, Guest Artists
Fourth Post ~ Extended Species Details, FAQ
Fifth Post ~ Gift Lines/Art, Affiliates
Sixth Post ~ Archives

What are Finned Otters, you ask?

Project River Wolf: Years ago, scientists for a private company began work on a special project. Their goal was to create a species of otter that could be trained to protect and defend bodies of water from intruders. So they took the genes from various animals and set to work.
The result: A larger than normal species of otter with dorsal fins, thick fur, and horns. They called them Pteronura marina, or Finned Otters. The project was deemed a failure when it became clear the otters cared more about food and play than their training. Instead of exterminating the large group they'd created, one of the members secretly released them into the wild.
Finned Otters now: Due to their breeding and genes, finned otters are capable of living in and around almost any body of water imaginable. The species has spread around the globe and there are now a great many, including a small number in captivity.
Characteristics: They live in large groups (called families). Each group has its own territory which they are very protective of. While they are extremely playful, they can quickly become deadly if they feel their territory or pups are threatened. Their diet consists mostly of fish and crustaceans; however, they have been known to go after larger prey including rabbits, snakes, and alligators or caiman. A few have been observed to enjoy sweet foods as well, such as fruits.
The most notable differences between finned otters and other otter species are their fur, horns, and dorsal fins.


Fur:
Finned otters have very thick, fluffy fur which often serves as an extra layer of protection between them and any attackers. Like other otters, water is shed quickly and easily from their fur. The otters pride themselves on keeping their coats clean and neat, and can often be seen grooming.
Also notable about a finned otters pelt are the colours and patterns that often show up as a result of their mixed genes. Finned otters can have a wide variety of fur colours, though they commonly have more natural base colours. The more brightly coloured a finned otter, the more likely it is that it lives in or near the sea, especially areas of coral reefs.




Horns:


All male finned otters have horns, there are no exceptions to this. The horns are used as a weapon and somewhat for impressing females. There are a wide variety of horns that a finned otter can grow.







Dorsal Fins:


All finned otters have dorsal fins, regardless of gender. Male otters have larger, more detailed fins than females as they are used for impressing females. Each otter has two fins, one large fin running the length of their back and one smaller fin near the base of their tail. These fins retract so that they lay along an otter's back, hidden by their thick fur. As these fins are razor sharp they are often used as a form of protection from predators as well as being used as a weapon.

More information can be found below under "Extended Species Details."

Rules:

In order to make everyone's visit here successful and enjoyable, please follow these rules ^-^
1. Do not copy, steal, or otherwise plagiarize anything from this thread or species.
2. Do not whine or complain if you do not win an otter you apply for. Patience and perseverance are the keys to success here!
3. Please respect all staff. If you have a problem with a staff member please PM me so things can be sorted out.
4. Please avoid mini-modding. If someone asks a question you are welcome to answer so long as you do so in a polite manner.
5. Please avoid any forms of spam, especially double-posting.
6. Bribery is not allowed.
7. Remember that all CS rules apply here as well.
8. Above all, be polite and kind to your fellow CS members! :)
9. Please do not post asking to join the staff! Forms will be posted when positions are open.
10. If you win an otter, it would be preferred it didn't just collect dust.

Species Rules:

1. For now, each person is allowed a maximum of 5 regular adopt finned otters (ie. not custom or holiday/special event) and each otter may be bred a maximum of 1 time.
---> Permanent staff members are allowed 6 regular adopt.
2. You may try for a maximum of two otters at one time. If you have applied for two you must wait until one has been judged before trying for another otter.
3. All otters will have fins, no exceptions.
4. All male otters will have horns, no exceptions.
5. Please do not take credit for this species in any way, shape, or form.
6. Do not sell or give away your otter. If you no longer want your otter, please PM me or the artist that created it so we may sort out what happens with it.
7. You may not breed your otters without permission, all breedings must go through us.
8. At this point in time, the only way to get a custom is through a special event or as staff.
9. We will never do colour-ins of pre-existing characters.
10. Finned otters may be characters, but not fursonas.

How to adopt?

- You can either click on the images above this post to find an available otter, or you can use the list of currently available otters.
- Otters are not first come, first serve.
- When you've found an otter you'd like to adopt you will need to fill out the form that the artist has provided (or create your own if the artist so chooses).
- The artist will then go through all of the forms and choose which one he or she likes best.
- If you don't win one right away, don't give up! There will be lots more :)
- Keep in mind that there are threads and people that are willing to help people with their forms! (But don't copy or plagiarize, your form must be your own work)

Finned Otters belong to me (.Arrow.) :)
Lines were created by the wonderful TeaParty!

[.Arrow.]

Otters Currently up for Adoption:

- None, sorry :(

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Guest Artists

Around once a month guest artist applications will open. Two - three applicants will be chosen as guest artists.
- Each guest artist is permitted to create three designs and one personal custom.
- Guest artists may not do line edits/accessories without special permission.
- On rare occasions I may ask guest artists to stay on as artists.
- GAs may not do runner ups.
- GAs must adhere to thread, species, and artist rules.
- One person can be a GA more than once; however, they do not get more than one custom and they must have a break between GA sessions.
- You get two months to finish your adopts. If you do not complete the required number, you may not receive a custom.

Open/ Closed

End Date: Ended. Next guest artist opening will likely be when our current GAs, or most of our current GAs, have completed their adopts.

By submitting this guest artist application you agree that you have read and will abide by the rules. You also agree that you have read all of the species information on the first post. :)
Application:

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[i]I am applying for a Guest Artist position![/i]
[b]Username[/b]:
[b]Link to Gallery[/b]:
[b]Design Examples[/b]: (Please choose a maximum of three that you believe are your best. I will look at your gallery regardless of the examples.)

Previous Guest Artists:
Kikoyo
preppy paws
N i g h t s t a r
<3AndrewScott

Staff:

Owner:
.Arrow.

Moderators:
None for now.

Archivist:
None for now.

Artists:
TeaParty

Guest Artists:
None at the moment

Please do not ask to be a member of the staff!
If any staff positions are open, they will be announced.

Artist Information:
- You may ask myself or any of the other staff for help with judging.
- Each artist may make one custom for now.
- Artist customs may have line edits/accessories.
- Please limit yourself to four designs a week.
- At least two designs a month, unless you tell me you're going to be busy.
- Try to end when you say you will.
- Judging must occur as soon as possible after the end date.
- Maximum of three up per artist at one time.
- Maximum of two runner ups for any adopt.
- Runner ups are not to be common.
- WIP

Mod Information:
- If things ever get out of hand, please PM me.
- The primary goal is to keep this a happy, friendly place.
- Staff may make their own custom or have one made for them.
- Staff customs may have accessories/minor line edits.
- WIP. Will be added to when we actually have mods :)

[.Arrow.]

Extended Species Information:

Species name: Finned Otter (Pteronura marina)
Nickname(s): None yet.
Length:

Male -> 5.3 - 6.0 feet
Female -> 5.1 - 5.9 feet
- Tail takes up 1/3 of the body's length

Weight: 50 - 100 lbs (22 - 45 kg) for a male. Slightly smaller for females.
Age: As a result of human tampering, they may live up to 15 years in the wild, 25 years in captivity.

About:
This species was created as a scientific experiment: Project River Wolf. The goal was to create a species that could be used to guard bodies of water in the same way people have guard dogs. This resulted in a species of otter that was physically similar to a sea otter, but had much of the mentality of a giant otter and was larger than both. Due to the variety of genes used they developed abnormalities including horns on males, razor-sharp dorsal fins, and odd pelt colours. The project was deemed a failure as the species retained their fun-loving spirit and ultimately failed in their guardian role. Instead of disposing of the species, a member of the group released them into the wild.

Habitat:
They can live in most places that have a body of water nearby. Preferred places thus far seem to be along coastal area, near lakes, and along larger rivers. Larger water bodies are preferred due to their large body size and food requirements. Due to the combination of genes the species as a whole does not have a preference between salt or fresh water. Each individual animal does have a preference though, which is often based on where they grew up. The smaller members of the species tend to prefer the smaller fresh water lakes as well. Despite these general preferences, it is still possible (though rare) to find them near small bodies of water like streams and ponds, wetland or marsh areas, or slow-flowing, brackish rivers. Their thick, long fur allows them to live nearly anywhere regardless of temperature so long as there is year round access to water.

Most prefer to avoid urbanized areas and humans, though some have learned that where there are humans there is food. As a result, a rare few have been taken into captivity. Due to their size and love of water they will never be found within a city. More likely, they will be found on farms or in rural areas near large bodies of water.

Diet:
- Their diet has a fairly wide range, though it is based greatly on their habitat. Overall, they tend to be opportunistic.
- Those that are inland prefer to prey on fish, water fowl, insects, crustaceans such as crabs or crayfish, small snakes, reptiles, and frogs. They've also been documented as eating small mammals such as muskrats, voles, hares, and rabbits.
- Those that live in coastal areas tend more towards sea invertebrates (sea urchins, clams, mussels, mollusks, snails, abalones, and crabs), though they will also prey on slow-moving fish and giant octopuses.
- If prey is scarce or it is opportune, they will prey on alligators, caimans, and large snakes such as anacondas. Large prey such as this is only taken down as a group. More often than not, they will prey on these in order to protect the group or the pups.
- They have also developed a love of citrus, possibly another result of the same genes that caused the horns.

Lifestyle:
- They are a mostly diurnal species, and are most active between sunrise and midnight. During winter and cold months they are almost entirely diurnal, rarely venturing out of their den after sunset. When summer reaches peak temperatures, though, they quickly become nocturnal. When there are pups, mother's tend to go out more often at night.
- Roughly 35% of their time is spent foraging for food. When prey is abundant, this number increases and vice versa.
- Most build their own dens, digging holes into riverbanks, shore lines, etc. These dens tend to be fairly large with multiple tunnels, usually including one that goes directly into the water. Dens are lined with moss, feathers, and hair.
- Fur is almost always clean and a good chunk of time is spent throughout the day grooming, especially right after meals.

Mutations:
- Horns: Only males grow horns. The horns themselves are fairly small so as to not hinder their swimming abilities. Strong horns tend to be a sign of good health. Young males have taken to butting heads when playing. In some circumstances they can be used as a weapon against intruders. Different horn variations have been observed within the species.
- Dorsal Fins: Possibly the most noticeable anomaly of the species are the two dorsal fins that they have. The first is quite large, stretching down the length of the back. The second is much smaller and is located near the end of the tail. Both are retractable, and can completely disappear among the thick fur along the back. Both are also razor sharp and strong if they're flared, making them dangerous. Males of the species have larger and flashier dorsal fins than females which have smaller, more muted fins. The scientists responsible theorized that the males could use their dorsal fins to attract females in much the same way as peacocks. Both males and females also flare their fins when they are feeling nervous, scared, or aggressive. They serve in both scaring predators or intruders and in fighting, especially under water.
- Colouration: Due to the genetic modifications, the species fur colour varies much more greatly than that of other otters. While most still have a more natural base coat, more exotic colourations have been observed. Various markings and patterns have been documented as well, including many that were once thought to be exclusive to other species'.
- Fur Length: During the experimentation process canine genes were used in the hopes that they could then be trained as guard dogs. While this did not work out the way they'd wanted, it did cause them to have longer than normal fur for otters. The fur is still as thick as it is among any otter species.

Behavior:
- They are an extremely playful species, especially among younger members.
- They are very territorial and react aggressively to non-otter intruders within their territory.
- Outside of playing, foraging for food, and sleeping, their time is spent relaxing in the sun with the group either on land or floating in the water.
- Very rarely do you find one alone, as there is usually at least one other not far off.

Communication:
They tend to be a very vocal species, communicating through a variety of noises.
- Quick barks and snorts are often used to express interest or danger
- Wavering screams may be used when charging intruders.
- Growls tend to be a sign of aggression.
- Hums, coos, and grunts are more commonly used when communicating within the group.
- Whistles may be used between separate groups to show they are not hostile.
- Newborn pups mostly squeak, especially when they desire attention.
- Younger members tend to whine and wail.

Social Structure:
- They live in extended family groups of 2-25 members referred to as 'families'. The average number per family is actually closer to 9 members.
- Sometimes different families interact and spend time together.
- Roles within the group tend to be shared among members and there is not a truly distinct hierarchy. However, there is a dominant male-female pair, generally referred to as the alpha pair.
- Members of the family sleep, eat, play, and travel together.
- All members of the family help to care for pups, though the first few weeks it is primarily the mother.
- Fighting within the species is rare, though not unheard of.

Pups:
-Typically there are 2-3 pups in a litter, however it can be anywhere from 1-5.
- Pups are born with their eyes open, some teeth, and a very thick coat of fluffy, downy fur.
- Pups are born inside the den where they remain for the first five weeks.
- Pups typically begin walking between 3-4 weeks, though they are usually quite clumsy.
- Pups begin playing between 4-5 weeks.
- Around week 6 pups begin following others out of the den to the water.
- A pup's thick fur retains so much air that they cannot sink or dive and are stuck on top of the water. At 12 weeks this baby hair is replaced by adult fur.
- Pups learn to swim between 6-12 weeks and start learning to dive after 12 weeks.
- At 8 weeks they begin consuming solid food.
- At 4 months they begin learning to hunt and forage. For the first month they mostly practice bringing up things such as crustaceans and pebbles.
- Pups are generally independent at 8 months, but remain with the family until at least a year and a half when they may decide to branch off and start a new family or join a different one.
- For the first three weeks, only the mother is around the pups and caring for them. After this period the entire family partakes in the rearing of the pups and finding food.

Frequently Asked Questions:

- None yet

[.Arrow.]

Gift Lines:
By Holmes & Watson
By Venari

Advertise Us?

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Affiliates:
If you wish to affiliate with us, please shoot me a PM :)

[.Arrow.]

Archive:

Species Mascot - Polaris (Male)

- If your username changes, please PM me or post on the thread. All owner profiles will be linked here just in case.
- If you no longer want your otter, you must PM me or the artist that created it (or both).
- The archive will be in order of first adoption, not alphabetical.

♂ - Male otter
♀ - Female otter
NG - Non-growing
U - Ungrown pup/still growing
# ~ - Number of otters counted towards limit

R - Regular adoption
C - Custom otter. Max = 1, unless special permission.
SE - Special event adoption, i.e. Christmas, Easter, Halloween, etc.

Staff Otters
.Arrow.
# ~ 0
Aspen - ♀ - SE

Public Otters

.Live.Love.Laugh.
# ~ 1
Aquaria - ♀ - R

Black tabby
# ~ 1
Imber - ♂ - R

Ninapepe5
# ~ 1
Nagooset - ♀ - R
Bear - ♂ - SE

Kikoyo
# ~ 1
Tyr - ♂ - R

<3AndrewScott
# ~ 1
Adrian - ♂ - R

fantasy girl
# ~ 1
Camille - ♀ - R

BootsABaby
# ~ 1
Fern - ♀ - R

Kaitlynizer
# ~ 0
Roe - ♂ - SE

∑a∂ µa††er
# ~ 2
Gabriella - ♀ - SE
Atsila - ♀ - R
Damian - ♂ - R

Jäck Fröst
# ~ 1
Calypso - ♂ - C
Azurine - ♀ - R

Dauntlessredpanda
# ~ 4
Burnt Caramel - ♂ - R
Toff - ♀ - R
Sasha - ♀ - R
Storm - ♀ - R

Venari
# ~ 1
Beverly - ♂ - R

RingingWithTheBells
# ~ 0
Aquilo - ♂ - SE

ButterScotchMochi
# ~ 1
Finna - ♂ - R

Glomp
# ~ 1
Cooper - ♂ - R - NG

Manakete
# ~ 1
Princeling - ♂ - R
Kimberly - ♀ - SE

Ace;
# ~ 1
Sanuki - ♂ - R

.:Lugia:.
# ~ 1
Kyle - ♂ - R

preppy paws
# ~ 0
Firefly - ♀ - C

AngelWithASin
# ~ 1
Tirion - ♀ - R

SpazzMonkey
# ~ 1
Mason - ♂ - R

Riot and Co.
# ~ 1
Talia - ♀ - R

[.Arrow.]

Alright, now posting is open :)

[Krycifer]

:O This looks awesome!
(Marking.)

[eleutheromania]

Marking. ^^

[.Arrow.]

@~*~Jerome~*~
Thanks :)

Added a bit of info. Not going to be able to get anything else done tonight :\