The platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) is the only species in this family. It is found in eastern Australia.

The platypus is 19-22 inches in length, and it looks like it is made up of pieces of other animals.

It has thick, waterproofed brown fur; a flat, round, and flexible black snout that looks like a duck’s bill; a flat, rounded, beaver-like tail; and webbed feet.

The male platypus has a venomous spur on his ankle that he uses when he is threatened by predators or other male duck-billed platypuses.

The male attacks with the spur and injects venom into his attacker. The venom is strong enough to kill small predators and cause pain to larger ones.

The platypus lives in burrows near lakes, ponds, streams, and rivers. It swims underwater to locate insects, crustaceans, and mollusks.

The platypus uses electricity to locate its food. Its bill detects the small electrical currents put out by creatures swimming in the water. It scoops up its prey from the muddy water, uses its bill to strain out the water, and then stores the food in its cheeks.

The female platypus lays 1-3 leathery eggs. The eggs incubate for 6-10 days. The female cares for the young and produces milk that is secreted through her skin. The young platypuses lick the milk off their mother.