About Cavia aperea Erxleben, 1777
Taxonomic Context
This is the scientific description of the Brazilian guinea pig, Cavia aperea Erxleben, 1777.
General Size Category
It is a medium-sized guinea pig.
Body Length and Weight
Adult individuals reach a length of approximately 272 mm (11 in) and weigh 637 grams (22.5 oz).
Tail Morphology
Its tail measures around 2.4 mm, making it almost non-existent.
Pelage Coloration
The dorsal fur is dark olive-brown mixed with brown and black, while the underparts are pale grey or yellowish-grey.
Diploid Karyotype Number
For its karyotype, the diploid number is 2n = 64.
Fundamental Karyotype Number
The fundamental number (FN) is reportedly variable: it is 116 or 128 for the subspecies C. a. aperea, and 128 for the subspecies C. a. pamparum.
Altitudinal Range
This species has a wide distribution across South America, occurring at altitudes between 400 and 3,000 metres (1,300 and 9,800 ft) above sea level.
Geographic Distribution
Its range extends from Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela to northern areas of Argentina.
Preferred Habitat
Its typical habitat is open grassland and savannah.