Acouchi

The acouchis (Myoprocta) are rodents belonging to the agouti family. They are generally smaller than the common agoutis and have a very short tail (5 to 7 cm), while the common agoutis lack a tail. For this reason the acouchis are also called tailed agoutis.

There are two species of acouchis:

• Green acouchi (Myoprocta acouchy)
• Red acouchi (Myoprocta exilis)

Both species live in the Amazon Rainforest. They are coloured brown or greenish, but with brightly orange or red parts of the head. Often acouchis live in riverbanks, where they dig holes. As the common agouti, acouchis are active at day and feed on fruits.