The platypus is not a vegetarian, but rather a carnivore. They scoop up shellfish, shrimp, insects and worms along the bottom of a river, pond or stream. Then, using grinding plates and gravel or mud accompanying the quarry, as they have no teeth, mash their catch into digestible pieces.

Platypuses are one of the few mammals that produce a venom. The males have a spur connected to a venom-secreting gland on their back legs which produces a venom which is painful but not lethal to humans. It is strong enough to kill a dog.

Indigenous to the rivers of Eastern Australia and Tasmania, platypuses only hunt during the night.

The platypus is a monotreme. This refers to a select group of mammals that never evolved live birth but rather lays eggs. The only other monotremes are echnidna, which are spiny anteaters.

The platypus is a most unusual animal in that it has the body similar to that of an otter, a bill like a duck, a beaver-like tail and webbed feet. The webs can retract, exposing the claw, to enable them to walk on land.

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