Water-rat

Images ©:
Bob Winters | Mark Antos

Hydromys chrysogaster

Body fur dark, golden underneath, thick, soft and waterproof. Thick white-tipped tail. Body length up to 30 cm, tail up to 27 cm. Adult weight 630 g.

Details
Type
Mammal
Group
Animals
Placental
Biology

The Water-rat is highly adapted to life in the water. Gestation is 34 days. Usually three to four young in a littler.

Distinctive Markings

Flattened head, long blunt nose, with abundant whiskers, small eyes, small ears and webbed hind feet.

Taxonomy
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Rodentia
Family
Muridae
Genus
Hydromys
Species
chrysogaster

Source: Atlas of Living Australia

The Water-rat is one of Australia's largest rodents. They are one of Australia's only two amphibious mammals (the platypus is the other).

Interesting Facts
Diet

Carnivore. Eats fish, shellfish, frogs and aquatic insects.

Habitat

Lives in river banks, estuaries and around dams and creeks. They live in burrows alongside river and lake banks.

Native Status
Native to Australia