ACOUCHI

either of two species of South American rodents of the genus Myoprocta, family Dasyproctidae, which resemble the related agouti. Weighing 600 to 1,300 g (21 to 45.5 ounces), acouchis range in size from 32 to 38 cm (12.5 to 15 inches) long, with 4.5- to 7-centimetre (2- to 3-inch) tails that are white-haired below. The acouchi's coarse fur is reddish or greenish, with yellowish patches on the side of the head. Acouchis eat sitting on their haunches, hoard extra food, and stamp their feet when alarmed.