The guinea pig, also known as the domestic guinea pig, cavy or domestic cavy, is a species of rodent. It belongs to the genus Cavia, family Caviidae, and its closest wild relatives include the montane guinea pig. Domestic guinea pigs typically weigh between 700 and 1,200 g and measure between 20 and 25 cm in length; most breeds have fur, and they have long front teeth that grow continuously, leading the animals to chew regularly to wear them down. They are social animals, and are skittish in response to noise or danger, evincing a freeze or flight strategy.
At a glance
- Scientific name
- Cavia porcellus
- Category
- Rodents
- Animal type
- Other
Some species are regulated (CITES, ownership permits) — check the rules before keeping one.
