Spicier starter taken out to swimmer (5)
I believe the answer is:
otter
'to swimmer' is the definition.
(animal which swims)
I don't understand the rest of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for otter that I've seen before include "Water mammal" , "Playful aquatic animal of 'Tarka' fame" , "Something furry" , "carnivore is concerned" , "Mine is made safe by this" .)