# Platypus (*Ornithorhynchus anatinus*)

The platypus is a unique mammal that lays eggs and has a duck-like bill. They are excellent swimmers with webbed feet and a waterproof fur coat.

- **Category:** [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/mammal)
- **Rarity:** Rare
- **Danger:** 2/5 · Low
- **Habitat:** Freshwater
- **Also known as:** Duck-billed Platypus

![Platypus](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771425937/objects/6320.jpg)

## Appearance

The Platypus has a sleek, streamlined body covered in dense, brown fur that stays dry underwater. It features a distinct, rubbery, duck-like bill and broad, webbed front feet. Its flat, beaver-like tail is used for storing fat.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Animalia
- **Phylum:** Chordata
- **Class:** Mammalia
- **Order:** Monotremata
- **Family:** Ornithorhynchidae
- **Genus:** Ornithorhynchus

## Interesting facts

- Platypus fur is so dense it traps air to stay dry and warm underwater!
- Platypuses are one of only two mammals known to glow under UV light!
- They use cheek pouches to store snacks found underwater before surfacing to eat!
- When diving, Platypus closes its eyes, ears, and nose with special folds!

## Special abilities

- **Electro-Sense Bill:** Platypus can find prey in murky water because its sensitive bill detects tiny electric signals from other animals.
- **Venomous Defense:** Male Platypus can deliver a powerful, painful sting with a venomous spur found on each of its hind legs.
- **Egg-laying Mammal:** The Platypus has the unique ability to lay eggs, making it one of only a few mammals that don't give live birth.
- **Webbed Paddle Feet:** The Platypus has webbed front feet that can retract, helping it swim powerfully, then walk easily on land.

## Measurements & details

- **Length:** 30-45 cm
- **Weight:** 0.7-2.4 kg
- **Lifespan:** 10-17 years
- **Speed:** 5.4 km/h
- **Litter Size:** 1-3
- **Gestation:** 27-30 days

## Diet & Feeding

They feast on small creatures they find by foraging underwater in rivers and streams.

- **Primary Foods:** insect larvae, freshwater shrimp, worms, yabbies
- **Foraging Method:** Foraging

## Ecological connections

- **Eaten by:** White-bellied Sea Eagle (*Haliaeetus leucogaster*) — eats platypus if opportunity arises
- **Eaten by:** Dingo (*Canis dingo*) — can prey on platypus near water
- **Eats:** Common Yabby (*Cherax destructor*) — hunts and eats these crustaceans

## Traits

- [Webbed Feet](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/webbed-feet): Characterized by having toes connected by a membrane, typically aiding in swimming.
- [Ancient Lineage](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/ancient-lineage): This trait signifies organisms belonging to a very old evolutionary group with ancestors dating back millions of years.
- [Carnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/carnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue.
- [Electrogenic](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/electrogenic): This trait describes organisms capable of generating electric fields or electric shocks.
- [Freshwater](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/freshwater): Freshwater habitats include non-saline aquatic environments such as rivers, lakes, ponds, and wetlands, vital for numerous species.
- [Vampiric](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/vampiric): Vampiric organisms are those that obtain nutrients by feeding on the blood or bodily fluids of other animals.
- [Nocturnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nocturnal): Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
- [Venomous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/venomous): Venomous organisms produce toxins that are injected into another animal, typically through a bite or sting.

## Collections

- [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/mammals)

## Safety

**Danger:** 2/5 · Low

Platypuses are shy creatures, so it's best to observe them from a distance in their natural habitat.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Platypus?

Compare ears, muzzle, tail, feet and coat markings. Size is hard to judge without something nearby for scale, and young mammals may not have adult coloring yet. Mammal Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

### How long is Platypus?

30-45 cm

### How much does Platypus weigh?

0.7-2.4 kg

### How long does Platypus live?

10-17 years

### How fast can Platypus move?

5.4 km/h

### What does Platypus eat?

They feast on small creatures they find by foraging underwater in rivers and streams.

### Where is Platypus usually found?

Freshwater

### How does Platypus hunt?

Foraging

## Where to spot

- [San Diego Zoo Safari Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/san-diego-zoo-safari-park) — California, US · Zoo

## More Mammals

- [Eastern Fox Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-fox-squirrel) (*Sciurus niger*)
- [Eastern Cottontail](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-cottontail) (*Sylvilagus floridanus*)
- [Eastern Chipmunk](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-chipmunk) (*Tamias striatus*)
- [California Ground Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/california-ground-squirrel) (*Otospermophilus beecheyi*)

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Source: [Platypus: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/platypus)