Brazilian guinea pig
A species of Guinea pigs Scientific name : Cavia aperea Genus : Guinea pigs
Brazilian guinea pig, A species of Guinea pigs
Scientific name: Cavia aperea
Genus: Guinea pigs
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Vince Smith , used under CC-BY-SA-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
This is a medium-sized guinea pig with an adult length of about 272 mm (11 in) and a weight of 637 grams (22.5 oz). The tail, at around 2.4 mm, is almost non-existent. The dorsal fur is dark olive-brown mixed with brown and black, and the underparts are a pale grey or yellowish-grey. Its karyotype has 2n = 64 and a reportedly variable FN of 116 or 128 for C. a. aperea and 128 for C. a. pamparum.
General Info
Lifespan
4-8 years
Diet
Brazilian guinea pig subsists primarily on plant materials, predominantly grasses. Their selective grazing habits prioritize young, protein-rich plants. Additionally, brazilian guinea pig supplement their diet with seeds, fruits, and roots when seasonally available.
Appearance
Brazilian guinea pig is a small mammal with a stout body and is typically covered in coarse, short fur. Its coloration ranges from dark grey to light brown, often with a off-white underbelly. While both genders share a similar physical appearance, males are slightly larger and heavier than females. Brazilian guinea pig lacks any horns, wings, or distinct tail.
Behavior
Brazilian guinea pig are known for their social nature, typically living in small groups. In terms of food, they are primarily herbivorous, feeding on a diet of grasses and other vegetation. Marking territory is done by depositing fecal pellets. Notably, brazilian guinea pig exhibit a 'freeze' behavior as a survival response to perceived threats.
Population
Stable
Photo By Vince Smith , used under CC-BY-SA-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Mammals Order
Gnawing mammals Family
Cavies Genus
Guinea pigs Species
Brazilian guinea pig