The aquatic genet (Genetta piscivora) is a small viverrid carnivore endemic to the Upper Guinean forests of West Africa, primarily recorded from Liberia and adjacent Ivory Coast. Classified within the family Viverridae, it is one of the least understood members of the genus Genetta, known from only a handful of museum specimens collected in the early 20th century. Its semi‑aquatic habits set it apart from other genets, favoring riparian corridors, swampy forest patches, and slow‑moving rivers where it forages along water edges. The coat is a glossy, dark brown with faint, irregular spots, and the tail is ringed with black and white bands, aiding camouflage among the dappled forest light and water reflections. The species’ elusive nature, combined with limited field surveys, has resulted in a Data Deficient status on the IUCN Red List, though recent habitat assessments suggest a declining trend due to deforestation and river pollution. Conservationists emphasize the need for targeted surveys and protection of freshwater forest habitats to clarify its distribution and population health.

Aquatic genets are primarily solitary, with adult males maintaining overlapping home ranges that intersect those of several females. They are crepuscular to nocturnal, becoming most active at dusk and during the early night hours when riverbanks are teeming with prey. Territorial marking is achieved through scent glands located on the cheeks and paws, leaving oily deposits on rocks and vegetation near water sources. Communication includes a repertoire of high‑pitched chirps, growls, and tail‑slapping against water to signal alarm or courtship. While generally shy, individuals have been observed swimming short distances—up to 30 meters—to cross streams or pursue fish, demonstrating strong swimming abilities uncommon among other genets. Their territories, averaging 2–3 km², are defended through scent marking and occasional vocal duels, but direct aggression is rare, with most conflicts resolved by posturing.

The aquatic genet is a specialized carnivore with a strong piscivorous tendency, reflected in its scientific epithet “piscivora.” Its diet consists primarily of small freshwater fish (e.g., Alestidae and Cyprinidae species), amphibians such as tree frogs and tadpoles, and occasionally crustaceans like freshwater shrimp. Opportunistic feeding on small mammals, birds, and insects supplements its protein intake, especially during the dry season when fish are scarce. An adult requires roughly 150–200 grams of prey per day, obtained through a combination of stealth hunting along riverbanks and short bursts of swimming to chase fish. The species employs tactile foraging, using its whiskers to detect movement in shallow water, and its retractable claws to grasp slippery prey. Seasonal shifts in prey availability can lead to increased consumption of terrestrial insects and small rodents, demonstrating dietary flexibility within its carnivorous niche.

Sexual maturity is reached at about 12–14 months for both sexes, though females may first breed at 15 months in optimal conditions. Breeding season aligns with the rainy period (May–July), when water levels rise and prey abundance peaks. After a gestation of approximately 70–75 days, females give birth to litters of one to three kits, most commonly two. Neonates are born blind, covered in soft gray fur, and weigh around 120–150 grams. The mother hides the litter in a dry, concealed burrow near the riverbank and provides exclusive care for the first six weeks, during which the kits are nursed and gradually introduced to solid foods such as fish fragments and amphibian larvae. By three months, juveniles begin independent foraging, and weaning is complete by five months. Parental investment is high, with mothers defending the den against predators and rival genets, but males do not participate in rearing.

The IUCN currently lists the aquatic genet as Data Deficient, but habitat modeling indicates a vulnerable status due to rapid deforestation and degradation of West African lowland rainforests. Primary threats include conversion of forest to agriculture and palm oil plantations, which fragment riparian corridors essential for the species’ semi‑aquatic lifestyle. Water pollution from mining runoff and pesticide use further reduces fish populations, directly impacting food availability. Illegal hunting, though not a major pressure, occurs sporadically when local communities set traps for small mammals, inadvertently capturing genets. Population estimates are uncertain, but recent camera‑trap surveys suggest fewer than 2,500 mature individuals across its range, with a declining trend of approximately 20% over the past decade. Conservation actions recommended include protecting key riverine habitats, establishing community‑based monitoring programs, and conducting targeted field studies to clarify its distribution and ecological requirements.

• The aquatic genet is the only known genet species with confirmed swimming abilities.
• Its scientific name, Genetta piscivora, literally means “fish‑eating genet.”
• Only three museum specimens have been definitively identified, making it one of the rarest feliforms.
• It uses its whiskers to detect vibrations in water, similar to otters.
• Local folklore in Liberia describes a “river ghost cat” that hunts at night, likely referring to this elusive animal.