Platypus
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Meet the animal behind the name

Platypus fun facts

Six things worth knowing about one of Australia’s strangest and most capable swimmers.

Platy in a striped jumper and round glasses, reading a book on a cushion.

  1. Egg-laying mammals

    Female platypuses lay eggs, even though platypuses are mammals.

  2. A remarkable bill

    The bill senses pressure and electrical signals.

  3. Built to swim

    Webbed front feet power the swim; hind feet help steer.

  4. A male-only feature

    Male platypuses have venomous ankle spurs.

  5. Freshwater Australians

    They are native to Australia and depend on freshwater habitats.

  6. Eyes shut underwater

    They close their eyes, ears and nostrils while foraging underwater.

Source: Australian Museum: Platypus