Livi Poon

The Platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus)

2 min read

If you have ever watched Phineas and Ferb, you would be well acquainted with Perry the Platypus. Have you ever wondered what platypuses are?

Platypuses are an endemic species, meaning they are limited to a specific region of the world. They are found in eastern Australia, including Tasmania.

European explorers first documented the platypus in writing in 1797. Preserved specimens prompted intense anatomical debate, and many scientists initially believed it was a fabricated animal. It was not.

Quick Facts

  • Adult platypuses do not have teeth. They rely on keratinized grinding pads and eat insect larvae, yabbies, small fish, and worms.

  • Before August and September, females lay two to three eggs in burrows over 10 meters long and incubate for at least 10 days. Young are suckled for two to three months and are called puggles.

  • The platypus’ fur coat is waterproof and is comprised of flattened guard hairs and curvy underfur hairs. Their fur also is biofluorescent and glows cyan and green under UV light — thought to provide camouflage to UV-sensitive predators.

Venom

Male platypuses have venomous spurs on their back legs and are one of the few venom-producing mammals. The venom is not typically lethal to humans but can cause severe pain.

Electrolocation

The platypus uses electroreception to detect electrical signals from prey. Underwater, it closes eyes, ears, and nose, then uses around 40,000 electroreceptors in its bill to detect tiny electrical currents.

Its visual system is relatively weak in water, while its hearing is developed for higher frequencies.

References

  1. Bino, G., Kingsford, R. T., Archer, M., et al. (2019). The platypus: Evolutionary history, biology, and an uncertain future. Journal of Mammalogy, 100(2), 308-327. https://doi.org/10.1093/jmammal/gyz058
  2. Platypus. (2026). In Wikipedia. Retrieved February 16, 2026. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Platypus&oldid=1334272925
  3. ConnectSci. Seasonal variation in the ranging behavior of the platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) on the Goulburn River, Victoria. https://connectsci.au/zo/article-abstract/43/2/193/43170/Seasonal-Variation-in-the-Ranging-Behavior-of-the
  4. We knew platypuses were incredible. Now we know they glow, too. (2020). Animals. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/glowing-platypus

Graph View