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Small Mammals · SPECIES PROFILE

Gray Short Tailed Opossum

Monodelphis domestica

Nocturnal, solitary small marsupial; scent, interaction rhythm, and medical care must be arranged in advance.

Gray Short Tailed Opossum (Monodelphis domestica)
Images · CC BY 4.0Célio Moura Neto / Wikimedia Commons
Advanced CareRequires More Preparation Update 2026-09-07
Editorial example · Pending Expert Review
Adult Length4.72–7.09 in
Reference Lifespan3–5 yr
Ambient Temperature Reference71.6–82.4 °F
Air Humidity40–60 %
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Ownership Score

Ownership Score

This is an edited estimate of lifestyle compatibility, not an animal value rating. A higher score indicates that, based on current data, the animal is easier to integrate into your daily routine.

52/100 · Requires careful assessment
Beginner suitability54
Handling48
Interactive45
Space64
Cost56
Maintenance54
Travel34
Veterinary Accessibility42
Safety64
RISK SIGNALS
Feeding difficulty 38Environmental control 42Escape risk 54Bite risk 40Toxicity risk 0Noise 58Odor 53Cleaning burden 62
LIFE FIT
Children and families 62Apartments 58Bedrooms 30Frequent travel 44

The composite score is calculated by weighting nine factors: beginner-friendliness, handling ease, interaction, space requirements, cost, maintenance, travel, veterinary access, and safety. Read risk signals according to field direction: lower scores for biting, escape, and toxicity indicate greater safety; higher scores for noise, odor, and cleaning indicate less hassle. Combine this page's environmental requirements and risk notes with your judgment; do not rely solely on the total score.

BEFORE YOU COMMIT

First check whether it fits your life

This brief brings together the space, maintenance, feeding, lifespan and veterinary conditions recorded on this page so you know what to verify next.

52/100 · Requires careful assessment

A better fit if

  • The living conditions need closer planning
  • Adult space is a threshold to solve before purchase
  • Daily maintenance requires a steady time commitment

Resolve these first

  • Nocturnal rhythm:Primarily active at night; daytime disturbance increases stress and defensive responses.
Adult size
4.72–7.09 in
Reference Lifespan
3 to 5 years
Minimum space
Minimum enclosure for a single adult is at least 35.43 × 23.62 × 23.62 in, with added branches, hiding spots, and secure locks.
Veterinary Accessibility
Moderate

This is a comparison aid based on the current record, not a purchase, medical or local-law conclusion. Check the sources and local conditions before continuing.

THINGS OWNERS UNDERESTIMATE

Common Underestimations by Keepers

  • Nocturnal rhythmPrimarily active at night; daytime disturbance increases stress and defensive responses.
  • Odor and cleaningIndividuals and food produce a strong odor; cage cleaning requires a fixed frequency.
  • Individual housingTypically solitary; co-housing or forced socialization increases biting and stress.
VETERINARY ACCESS

Veterinary Accessibility

Moderate

Some exotic animal clinics are available in cities, but appointments must be confirmed in advance.

Moderate; respiratory or digestive emergencies cannot be delayed.

Specialist Exotic Pet Care Typically Required
DATA STATUS

Where this record stands

Editorial example
Last updated
2026-09-07
Fields checked
No field review record yet
Reference sources
1 · Reference sources
Professional review
Pending veterinary or taxonomic review
Local rules
Local rules need verification

Source links are starting points for reading. A group-level guide does not verify every value for each species. Check local rules separately.

Basic Information

Native Distribution
South American tropical and subtropical regions
Body Size and Diameter
Common adult carapace length; see species-specific data for exact carapace width.
Dietary Habits
Omnivore
Activity Cycle
Varies by species; ensure continuous space for sleeping, exploring, and hiding.
Availability of Captive-Bred Individuals
Common
Temperament and Aggression
Start with short, low-stress handling; may become defensive if startled or disturbed during the day.
Toxicity and Contact Risks
Non-venomous. Avoid sudden grabbing and jumping from heights during handling. Contact Risks: Medium。
Socialization and Handling
Typically solitary; easier to control stress, odor, and feeding when kept individually.

Environmental Parameters

Temperature Gradient

Approximately 71.6–80.6 °F; avoid sudden cold, overheating, and lack of hiding spots.

Humidity and Ventilation

40 to 60%. Humidity varies with ventilation, misting, and day-night cycles; do not maintain a single reading for the entire enclosure long-term.

Lighting and Circadian Rhythm

Maintain a regular day-night cycle and provide daytime cover to avoid direct bright light.

Basking Spot / Localized Heat

Do not provide basking spots; use a temperature-controlled environment with heating and monitor readings at multiple locations.

UVB Requirements

Maintain a regular day-night cycle and provide daytime cover to avoid direct bright light.

Adult Space

Minimum: Minimum enclosure for a single adult is at least 35.43 × 23.62 × 23.62 in, with added branches, hiding spots, and secure locks.
Recommended: Recommended single adult enclosure: 47.24 × 23.62 × 35.43 in, retaining space for nocturnal activity and exploration.

Substrate and Water

Low-dust, diggable bedding free of aromatic oils, kept clean and dry. · Provide fresh water continuously; check waterers daily for blockages.

These ranges are for planning the environment of a healthy adult, not a constant value for the entire enclosure, and do not cover disease, breeding, or juvenile stages.

Diet and Nutrition

Feed multiple times daily, rotating insects, protein, and small amounts of fruits and vegetables, while continuously monitoring body weight.

Feeding Frequency
Feed multiple times daily, rotating insects, protein, and small amounts of fruits and vegetables, and monitor body weight.
Live Prey Requirement
Optional
Rodent Pellets
Not Required

Enclosure and activity space

Minimum enclosure for a single adult is at least 35.43 × 23.62 × 23.62 in, with added branches, hiding spots, and secure locks.

Dimensions are editor suggestions, not mandatory minimum standards in all regions. Group size, individual body size, and layout may require more space.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play with it during the day?

Frequent disturbance is not recommended. It is primarily active at night and should be left undisturbed for quiet sleep during the day.

Can it be co-housed with other opossums?

Generally not recommended. They are mostly solitary animals; co-housing increases conflict and stress.

Risks and Legality

  • Individuals and food produce a strong odor; cage cleaning requires a fixed frequency.
  • Nocturnal activity pattern and exotic pet veterinary resources must be confirmed before acquisition.

Sources and editor notes

This page is a structured editing example and has not yet undergone field-by-field expert review. Reference links are for further consultation; data for some groups may not apply to every species. Please read the full manual before formal husbandry.

RSPCA small mammal care guidelines

Extended reading for the group; parameters still require verification field by field.

View data scope and update methods ↗
SIMILAR SPECIES

Other options within the same group

Similar species does not mean they can be co-housed