The short name of a Short Tailed Opossum is "STO".
Background:
Scientific name: Monodelphis Domestica
Origin: South America, Especially Brazil, Bolivia, and Portugal where they get the name Brazilian Short Tailed Opossum.
Physical Traits:
They are marsupials although they do not have a pouch; instead the babies anchor to the mother's teats until they are developed.
The tail is prehensile allowing it and them to carry around objects and it is used to help with balance.
Size: 4-6 inches not including a tail which is as long as the body (Similar to a large gerbil)
Males are somewhat larger than females at 90-155g at females at 80-100g
Or males at 3.8 - 5.5 oz and females at 2.8 - 3.5 oz
Color: commonly gray but breeders may breed for a gold to silver variety and color mutations
Other Expectations:
Life-Span: sources range in years from 4-8, but an average would be four
They are solitary animals and may cause violence if kept with other animals. If breeding, it is best to only allow them to be together temporarily.
STO's are nocturnal being most active at night but will interact with their owners during the day if need be.
Smell and hearing are their best senses and they will use them to become acquainted to their new owners. A common tip is to let them smell your hand before picking them up.
While all animals with teeth may bite, the STO usually shows it teeth as a warning, telling
you to back off and come again slower. With time and patience they won't show this
aggression and will be glad to have your hand!
STO's gather materials to bring back to their nest and are not considered aggressive chewers
Background:
Scientific name: Monodelphis Domestica
Origin: South America, Especially Brazil, Bolivia, and Portugal where they get the name Brazilian Short Tailed Opossum.
Physical Traits:
They are marsupials although they do not have a pouch; instead the babies anchor to the mother's teats until they are developed.
The tail is prehensile allowing it and them to carry around objects and it is used to help with balance.
Size: 4-6 inches not including a tail which is as long as the body (Similar to a large gerbil)
Males are somewhat larger than females at 90-155g at females at 80-100g
Or males at 3.8 - 5.5 oz and females at 2.8 - 3.5 oz
Color: commonly gray but breeders may breed for a gold to silver variety and color mutations
Other Expectations:
Life-Span: sources range in years from 4-8, but an average would be four
They are solitary animals and may cause violence if kept with other animals. If breeding, it is best to only allow them to be together temporarily.
STO's are nocturnal being most active at night but will interact with their owners during the day if need be.
Smell and hearing are their best senses and they will use them to become acquainted to their new owners. A common tip is to let them smell your hand before picking them up.
While all animals with teeth may bite, the STO usually shows it teeth as a warning, telling
you to back off and come again slower. With time and patience they won't show this
aggression and will be glad to have your hand!
STO's gather materials to bring back to their nest and are not considered aggressive chewers