When scientists first saw a platypus, they thought it was a prank — a furry mammal with a duck's bill, webbed feet, and a beaver-like tail that lays EGGS. Its bill is packed with sensors that detect the electricity made by wiggling prey underwater.
📋 Platypus at a glance
⚡ Superpower
A platypus hunts with its eyes, ears, and nose shut — its rubbery bill senses the tiny electric signals of its prey.
🤩 Amazing Platypus facts
The platypus is one of only a few mammals on Earth that lay eggs.
❓ Common questions about platypuss
How big is a platypus?
Up to 20 in (50 cm) long. The platypus is one of only a few mammals on Earth that lay eggs.
Where do platypuss live?
Platypuss live in the wild: rivers & streams of eastern australia. They are wild animals and are never kept as pets.
How long do platypuss live?
Platypuss typically live ~12 years in the wild.
Can you keep a platypus as a pet?
No! Platypuss are wild animals — they belong in the wild (rivers & streams of eastern australia), and keeping one would be unsafe and usually illegal. If you love animals, check out our care guides for real pets your family can have.
🎬 See platypuss in action
Watch kid-friendly videos about platypuss on YouTube.
▶ Watch Platypus videos on YouTube