The water opossum (Chironectes minimus), also known as the yapok (/jaepk/), is a Didelphidae marsupial. [2] Chironectes is the only living member of the genus. [3] This semi-aquatic creature lives in and near freshwater streams and lakes from Mexico to Central and South America, and it is the most aquatic living marsupial (the lutrine opossum also has semiaquatic habits). It is also the only living marsupial with pouches on both sexes. The thylacine, also known as the Tasmanian tiger, possessed this trait but is now extinct. [4]

Water opossums live in bankside burrows and emerge at dusk to swim and hunt for fish, crustaceans, and other aquatic animals to eat on the bank.