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.