What Is Echocardiography? Echocardiography (EK-o-kar-de-OG-rah-fee), or echo, is a painless test that uses sound waves to create moving pictures of your heart. The pictures show the size and shape of your heart. They also show how well your heart's chambers and valves are working.
Taxonomy/Description. The Giant Otter's scientific name is Pteronura brasiliensis, which means winged tail belonging to Brazil, although this otter species is not limited to Brazil. Winged refers to the fin-like shape of the giant otter's tail. The giant otter is a member of the weasel family, Mustelidae, in the Mammalian Order of Carnivora.
They hunt for food both in the water such as fish and then also land creatures including small reptiles. They are small animals that average about four feet in length and up to 30 pounds. There are 13 identified species of Otters known. Most people find the Otter to be a friendly looking creature.