Duck-billed platypus

Scientific Classification

 * Kingdom: Animalia
 * Phylum: Chordata
 * Class: Mammalia
 * Order: Monotremata
 * Family: Ornithorhynchidae
 * Genus: Ornithorhynchus
 * Species: O. anatinus
 * Binomial Name: Ornithorhynchus anatinus

Description
Platypuses are typically 16-23.5 inches and their tail is around 3.25-6 inches long. They usually weigh around 1.75-5.5 pounds. Platypuses have a high density of red blood cells that allow them to dive deep into water. It's fur is waterproof so it isn't affected as much with swimming and living in wetlands. Platypuses also have a beaver-like tail. Male platypuses have a poisonous spur on their hind feet.

Habitat
Platypuses are typically found in rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, swamps, bogs, and marshes along the east and southeastern coast of Australia and on Tasmania. Platypuses live in a burrow at the bank of a body of water that is typically around 16 feet long but can reach up to 98 feet.

Behavior
Platypuses are individual species, however, their territories will often overlap. Male platypuses during mating season will defend their territories against other males. The males defend their territory against other males with the poisonous spur that they have on each of their hind feet.

The gestation period for a female platypus is around one month and she will then lay 1-2 eggs which lay for 10 days. After hatching, the baby platypuses will be suckled by their mother for 3-4 months in their burrow.

Diet
The duck-billed platypus finds its prey by sensing electrical signals within the water with its incredibly sensitive bill.