The platypus is debatably one of the most interesting aquatic animals to exist. Duck-billed and covered in fur, there are not many other species in existence where they can be compared.

Scientists didn’t believe the platypus to be a real animal in 1799. They concluded it to be fake and thought several parts of an animal were sewn together. With so many strange elements that make up the platypus we know today, we’ve put together a list of various facts about them that you may not have realized before. 

1. Platypus Are Venomous

If you think you want to handle a platypus, you may want to reconsider. Adult males have spurs on the bottom of their feet that are capable of injecting you with venom when provoked. If you get poked with a platypus stinger, you could get nauseous, experience cold sweats, and notice muscle deterioration. There have not, however, been any reported deaths from their venom.

2. They Are One Out of Five Mammals to Lay Eggs

Platypus are classified to be a monotreme– which means that they are one of the only mammals on Earth to lay eggs. Due to this, females don’t feed their babies in the traditional way.  The female has specialized glands where their offspring can nurse. Aside from platypus, four types of Echidnas also can lay eggs as mammals. 

3. Platypus Have Layers

These furry creatures happen to be well insulated with two layers of fur, making them waterproof. They use a layer of their fur to keep air next to their skin, so they’re technically dry when underwater.

4. They Glow Under a Blacklight

Surprisingly, when the fur of a platypus is placed under a black light, their fur illuminates to a blue and green hue. Sea turtles, flying squirrels, and fungi are also known to glow under fluorescent light. While scientists are not sure of the reason behind this phenomenon, it’s thought that this capability is used to keep predators away. 

5. Platypus Have Plates for Teeth

While they may not have teeth, they’re fully capable of breaking down food with the plates in their bill. They typically eat shrimp, swimming beetles, water bugs, and tadpoles. They can also be found hunting for up to 10 hours per day.

6. Platypus Live in Australia

While they can only be found in Australia, platypus are known to frequent only freshwater habitats. At times, they can also be found in brackish estuaries, which are fresh and saltwater areas that meet the sea. When they lay their eggs, they usually place them in an underground burrow to hatch.

7. Platypus Can Detect Electrical Fields

Using their bills, it’s a part of their body made up of several sensors that have three receptor cells. These cells can detect both electric fields created by their prey as well as their movements. When the platypus moves its head from side to side, it’s also able to project the distance and location of food.  

8. Their Babies Are Called Puggles

Hatched underground, the puggles typically don’t stay in their nests for too long after they’re born. They typically leave their homes after only four months. Once they meet this age, they’re known as juvenile platypus.

9. Platypus Don’t Technically Have Stomachs

Instead of a stomach, the platypus only have a section in their bodies known as a pouch to digest their food. They also don’t have digestive acids or enzymes. They do, however, have glands that help to absorb the food. 

10. They Used to be Giant

Platypus are known to be relatively small. In a recent discovery from researchers though, they found a platypus that is up to three feet in length. Researchers now believe that the platypus was also alive up anywhere between five to fifteen million years ago— swimming in the same type of freshwater habitats.