Capybara
A capybara is the largest living rodent, native to South America and adapted to semi-aquatic habitats.
Also known as: Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris
How big is it?
1.15 m long
Also 3.773 ft
Head-to-rump length · representative
Typical recorded range: 1 m to 1.3 m.
A little perspective
About the same scale as Giant barrel sponge.
Giant barrel sponge: A giant barrel sponge is a large, hollow marine animal that filters food particles from seawater through its porous body.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
Capybara
A representative adult capybara at 1.15 m and 50 kg. San Diego Zoo gives a 1.0–1.3 m length and 27–79 kg mass range depending on sex.
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance — Capybara
The marked head-to-rump length is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Giant barrel sponge
A defined 1.2 m high giant barrel sponge (Xestospongia muta) with an 80 kg wet mass. Colonies grow in irregular barrel forms; height excludes the reef substrate and the central cavity is open.
The marked defined colony height is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
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Why this measurement?
Why we use 1.15 m
For comparison, this page uses head-to-rump length. This is labelled representative; the central value is useful for comparison, while real values or measurement solutions can vary. The recorded range is 1 m to 1.3 m.
A representative adult capybara at 1.15 m and 50 kg. San Diego Zoo gives a 1.0–1.3 m length and 27–79 kg mass range depending on sex.
The marked horizontal span follows the named feature; transparent margins and unmeasured details do not alter it. How calibrated comparisons work →
Recorded properties
Capybara dimensions and measurements
| Property | Selected value | Recorded range | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.15 m | 1 m to 1.3 m | representative | |
| 50 kg | 27 kg to 79 kg | representative |
Around this scale
Go smaller. Go bigger.
These links use compatible length records, ordered around the selected value.
Nearest lower value · Living thingsGreen sea turtle1.1 mThe green sea turtle is a marine reptile that grazes on seagrass and algae in tropical and subtropical seas.
Around the same scale · Living thingsEmperor penguin1.15 mThe emperor penguin is a flightless bird native to Antarctica, adapted to breed during the harsh winter.
Nearest higher value · Living thingsSheep1.2 mA sheep is a domesticated animal kept for its wool, meat, and milk.Sources and method
Want to check the number?
The source records and measurement method remain available for inspection.
- San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance — CapybaraAdult length 100–130 cm and mass 27–79 kg depending on sex.
There’s always another scale
Follow your curiosity.
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