China uncovered river creature (5)

I believe the answer is:

otter

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'river creature' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

(Other definitions for otter that I've seen before include "Web-footed mammal" , "Water animal with webbed fee, brown fur and flat tail" , "Fish-eater of the weasel family" , "Sleek river mammal" , "Fur possibly" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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