What is a bald rat called? - briefly
A rat lacking fur is commonly referred to as a «hairless rat», also known as a «nude rat».
What is a bald rat called? - in detail
A rat that completely lacks fur is referred to as a hairless rat. The condition results from a genetic mutation that suppresses the development of normal pelage, leaving the skin exposed and often pink or reddish. In laboratory settings the phenotype is frequently described using the French quotation «hairless rat» to distinguish it from standard pigmented strains.
Common designations for this phenotype include:
- «hairless rat»
- «bald rat»
- «naked rat»
- «skin‑only rat»
The primary species exhibiting this mutation is the brown rat, Rattus norvegicus, with the hairless form documented under the strain name “Rattus norvegicus hairless”. A less common variant occurs in the black rat, Rattus rattus, where similar mutations have been reported but are not as widely used in research.
Key characteristics:
- Absence of fur across the entire body, including whiskers in some strains.
- Increased sensitivity to temperature fluctuations; external heat sources are often required.
- Skin prone to dehydration and lesions, necessitating specialized husbandry practices.
- Popularity in scientific research for studies of dermatology, wound healing, and metabolic processes because the exposed skin allows direct observation and manipulation.
In the pet market, hairless rats are marketed under the same names listed above, with emphasis on their unique appearance and the need for careful environmental control. The term «hairless rat» therefore serves as the precise, widely accepted label for a rat without fur.