What does a blue rat look like? - briefly
A blue rat displays a uniform, vivid azure coat covering its body and tail. Its ears, nose, and foot pads are light‑colored, and the eyes are dark.
What does a blue rat look like? - in detail
A blue rat exhibits a coat that ranges from a muted slate to a vivid cerulean, depending on the specific pigment mutation. The fur fibers contain a higher concentration of melanin altered by a genetic modifier, which reflects shorter wavelengths of light and produces the characteristic hue. Individual hairs often display a subtle iridescence, shifting between blue‑green and violet when viewed from different angles.
The animal’s body size aligns with that of a typical laboratory rat: a head‑body length of 20–25 cm and a tail extending an additional 18–22 cm. The tail is slender, covered sparsely with fine, hair‑like bristles that retain the same blue coloration as the dorsal fur, though the ventral surface may appear lighter due to reduced pigment density.
Facial features retain the standard rat morphology—prominent whiskers, rounded ears, and a pointed snout. The eyes are usually dark brown, providing contrast against the blue fur, while the inner ear pinnae remain pinkish, unchanged by the pigment alteration. Paws are covered with pinkish–white skin and bear small, dark claws; the pads may show a faint blue tint if the pigment spreads to the extremities.
Key anatomical details:
- Fur texture: Soft, dense, with a slight sheen; each hair measures roughly 1–2 mm in length.
- Color gradation: Dorsal region darkest, lateral sides lighter; ventral side often pale gray to off‑white.
- Tail coloration: Uniform blue along the length, occasionally exhibiting a lighter tip.
- Whisker color: Typically white or pale gray, standing out against the blue coat.
- Eye contrast: Dark brown irises, providing clear visual distinction.
Behaviorally, the blue coloration does not affect locomotion, sensory capabilities, or reproductive function; it is solely a visual trait resulting from the specific genetic expression.