cavy

(plural – cavies; pronunciation: liking saying the letters ‘KV’)

a pair of cavies

an animal – mammal – any of several tailless rodents (rat-like animals) with short heavy bodies, short legs, large heads, large eyes, but short ears and without tails, and thick  smooth hair (coat); different sizes:  the smallest (guinea pig) 8-10 inches in length and 300 grams in weight to the largest one (capybara) about 4 feet in length and 70 Kg. in weight; feeds on (eat) tough grasses or soft leaves of plants; live for 6-10 years on average in the wild; about 14 species (kinds) native to South America, now found in many parts of the world

Some common names in cavy family are: guinea pig, yellow toothed cavy, mountain cavy, capybara, rock cavy, mara.
 

Mara, the largest cavy
Though ‘guinea pig’ has ‘pig’ in its name, looks like a small pig and even ‘grunts’ like a pig, it is not related to pigs.  It is a rodent and so belongs to the rat family.  And the name, guinea pig, is also used as a general term for any member of the cavy family.  ‘Mara or Patagonian mara or Patagonian cavy’ looks more like a large hare than a rat. This species in the picture is not only the tallest of the cavies but also the fourth largest rodent with 18 inches in height and 11 Kg. in weight! (The first being ‘capybara’; the second, ‘porcupine’; and the third, ‘beaver’.)

Special Features:

a furry cavy

Cavies’ fur (hair/skin/coat) used to be in great demand in fur market; even now some cavies are raised (kept on farms) for their fur.

Cavies are eaten as delicacy (= special food item) on special occasions in some parts of South America.

Cavies, particularly the ‘guinea pig’, are popular pets found in several homes, especially homes with young children,  through out the world.

Cavies, particularly the ‘guinea pig’, are widely used in scientific experiments.

Return to “guinea pig“.

About the Author:BC Kumar

BC Kumar, an English Language Teacher, taught in numerous countries including Ethiopia, Oman and India, shares his knowledge and passion for the English Language. Disclaimer: This is a free educational website and all content has been compiled by the author. All copyrights to images and videos belong to their respective owners.

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