What does an adult rat look like? - briefly
An adult rat measures 20–25 cm in body length, with a tail of similar length, possesses a sleek, hair‑covered torso, small rounded ears, and a pointed snout; its fur ranges from brown to gray, often with a lighter underbelly. The animal’s limbs are short, ending in dexterous paws equipped with sharp claws for climbing and manipulation.
What does an adult rat look like? - in detail
The adult rat presents a compact, elongated body measuring 20–25 cm from nose to the base of the tail, with the tail adding an additional 15–20 cm. Body weight typically ranges from 250 g to 350 g, varying with sex and strain.
Fur covers the dorsum in dense, coarse hairs, most often brown, black, or gray, while the ventral surface is lighter, ranging from pale gray to white. The hair length is short, providing a sleek profile that facilitates movement through narrow passages.
The head is proportionally large, featuring a blunt snout and a set of prominent, whiskered vibrissae that extend forward and laterally. Eyes are small, dark, and positioned on the sides of the head, granting a wide field of vision. Ears are relatively large, thin‑skinned, and highly vascularized, aiding thermoregulation.
Limbs consist of short forelimbs with dexterous forepaws equipped with five digits, each ending in a small claw. Hind limbs are longer, supporting agile locomotion and powerful jumps. The tail is naked, cylindrical, and covered with fine, sensory hairs; it functions as a balance organ and aids in thermoregulation.
Sexual dimorphism is subtle: males possess a larger body size and a more pronounced anogenital distance, while females may display a slightly broader pelvis. Reproductive status can affect abdominal girth, especially during gestation.