Potto (PERODICTICUS POTTO POTTO) (LORISIDAE) is the largest species in the family. Body length is about 40 sm., tail length – 5-10 sm., weight – up to 1,5 kg. The index finger is a rudiment, the thumb is opposable to three remaining fingers, producing a grasping organ. The spinal processes of the neck vertebrae are very long and project above the contour of the neck. This region is considered to be used for defence when potto lowers its head between its forelegs, presenting an attacker with a scapular shield. Thrusting forward with this shield potto tries to knock a predator off balance.

The potto inhabits dense forests. It is nocturnal and arboreal. The diet consists of fruits and sometimes of gums and insects. Gestation lasts 170 days. A single young weights about 50 g. it clings to the belly of the female during the first weeks after birth.