What does a red rat look like? - briefly
A red rat has a coat that varies from rust‑brown to bright vermilion, with pinkish ears, nose, and foot pads, and a generally glossy, coarse fur texture. Its dark eyes contrast with a tail that mirrors the body color, often appearing slightly darker on the dorsal side.
What does a red rat look like? - in detail
A red‑colored rat displays a uniform hue ranging from deep rust to light cinnamon, often described as a warm, reddish‑brown tone. The fur is dense, glossy, and lies close to the skin, providing a sleek appearance. The dorsal surface—back, shoulders, and flanks—carries the primary coloration, while the ventral side may appear slightly paler, sometimes with a subtle pinkish tint.
Key physical characteristics include:
- Body size: Adult specimens measure 20–25 cm (8–10 in) from nose to the base of the tail, with a tail length of 15–20 cm (6–8 in) that mirrors the body’s coloration, often slightly lighter.
- Head: Rounded skull with a short, blunt muzzle; ears are small, rounded, and covered with fine hair that matches the overall coat.
- Eyes: Dark, almond‑shaped, set relatively high on the head, providing a keen field of vision.
- Limbs: Compact forelimbs and hind limbs, each ending in sharp, curved claws adapted for climbing and digging; paw pads are pinkish or light gray, contrasting with the fur.
- Tail: Hairless, tapered, and slightly scaly; the ventral surface may show a faint pinkish hue, while the dorsal side reflects the reddish tone of the body.
Variations occur among different breeds and genetic lines. Some individuals exhibit a “cinnamon” pattern, where the fur shows a blend of red and lighter tan patches, while others present a solid “red” coat with minimal shading. In certain laboratory strains, the red pigment is intensified, resulting in a vivid, almost orange appearance.
Overall, the rat’s anatomy remains consistent with that of the common brown rat (Rattus norvegicus), differing primarily in the pigmentation of its coat and subtle tonal shifts on the underparts and tail.