There are 18 species in this family, including maras, cavies, capybaras, and guinea pigs. They are all found in South America. One species, the lesser capybara, is found in Panama in Central America.

They are found in a variety of habitats, including mountains, grasslands, and wetlands. Most species live in groups in burrows and are active during the day. They are herbivores.

Cavies and guinea pigs look similar. They have rounded bodies, short legs, large heads, no tails, and short necks. Maras look a little bit like hares. They have long legs, and their rear legs are longer than their front legs.

The capybara is found in South America and is the largest living rodent. They stand about 1.5 feet tall and are around 4 feet long, and weigh as much as 150 pounds. Capybaras have stocky bodies, reddish-brown fur, webbed toes with claws, and large heads with squared muzzles.

Capybaras are semi-aquatic and are found near lakes, ponds, swamps, rivers, and marshes. Capybaras can stay underwater for as long as five minutes! They are excellent swimmers. Their eyes and nose are on the top of their heads so they can keep them above the water. Capybaras are herbivores and eat grasses and aquatic plants. They are very social and live in groups of 10-40 individuals led by a male. Females have 4-7 babies at a time.