Which is larger, a rat or a degus? - briefly
A rat is typically larger than a degus. Adult rats weigh about 200–500 g and reach 20–30 cm in length, whereas degus average 150–300 g and measure 15–20 cm.
Which is larger, a rat or a degus? - in detail
Rats (Rattus spp.) typically reach a body length of 20–30 cm, excluding the tail, which adds another 15–25 cm. Average adult weight ranges from 250 g to 500 g, with some laboratory strains exceeding 600 g.
Degus (Octodon degus) measure 16–20 cm in body length, tail length 9–12 cm. Adult weight usually falls between 150 g and 300 g, rarely surpassing 350 g.
Key size comparisons:
- Body length: rat > degu by 4–14 cm.
- Tail length: rat tail up to 25 cm; degu tail up to 12 cm.
- Mass: rat weight up to twice that of a degu.
Variability exists within each species. Larger rat strains (e.g., Norway rat) and well‑fed individuals can be significantly bigger, while dwarf rat varieties approach the lower end of the range. Degus exhibit less size fluctuation; most captive individuals remain within the stated limits.
Overall, the rodent species commonly kept as a pet or used in research exhibits greater linear dimensions and mass than the South American degu. Consequently, a rat is larger in both length and weight.