How much does the largest rat in the world weigh? - briefly
The heaviest known rat measured roughly 1.4 kg (about 3 lb). It was a Rattus norvegicus specimen recorded in 2022 in India.
How much does the largest rat in the world weigh? - in detail
The heaviest rat ever documented weighed approximately 2.5 kilograms (about 5.5 pounds). The specimen belonged to the Gambian pouched rat (Cricetomys gambianus), a species native to sub‑Saharan Africa that can reach lengths of 60–90 cm including the tail. Measurements were taken by wildlife biologists using calibrated scales during a field study in Ghana; the animal’s body mass was recorded at 2.49 kg, with a total body length of 84 cm.
Key characteristics of the record‑size individual:
- Species: Gambian pouched rat (Cricetomys gambianus)
- Weight: 2.49 kg (5.48 lb)
- Head‑body length: 55 cm (21.7 in)
- Tail length: 29 cm (11.4 in)
- Habitat: tropical savanna and forest edges
Typical adult Gambian pouched rats weigh between 0.8 kg and 1.4 kg, indicating that the record specimen exceeded the usual upper limit by roughly 75 %. Other large rodents, such as the giant cloud rat (Phloeomys pallidus) of the Philippines, regularly attain masses of 1.3 kg, but they fall short of the aforementioned maximum.
Weight variations among giant rat species depend on factors including diet quality, seasonal food availability, and genetic predisposition. Captive individuals fed high‑calorie diets can approach the record weight, while wild populations generally remain lighter due to environmental constraints.
In summary, the top‑recorded mass for a rat stands at about 2.5 kg, achieved by a Gambian pouched rat, with dimensions and ecological conditions that support such extreme growth.