Naked Mole-rat

Naked Mole-rat key facts

Care level

Advanced

Lifespan

22–31 years in captivity (records over 37)

Size

14.7–16.5cm long; 30–80g

Diet

Herbivore: underground roots, bulbs and tubers

Housing

Wild colonies live in tunnel systems about 2m down. Build a dark system of linked tubes and chambers so the colony can set up separate nest and food-store areas.

Social Structure

Only the queen breeds while the others share tasks, so plan to keep a colony, not a single animal. When a queen dies, females may fight violently to replace her.

Temperature

Its body temperature follows its surroundings; cold animals huddle, hot ones move deeper. Keep the room stable and provide a temperature gradient inside the setup.

Diet

Wild animals eat underground roots, bulbs and tubers and carry finds back to store. Feed mainly root vegetables and tubers.

Regulations

Imports fall under the animal import notification system; animals bred in Japan need no notification.

Notes

Colonies may live around 30 years, a long commitment, and few vets treat them. Never release captive animals into the wild.

About Naked Mole-rat

Naked mole-rat guide: a hairless, burrowing rodent in a eusocial colony that lives 22–31 years in captivity. Housing, diet, and what advanced keepers should know first.

7 things to know before welcoming a Naked Mole-rat

1. 1Plan for a Colony

   Naked mole-rats live in a queen-led colony and cannot live a natural life alone. Plan on keeping several animals, ideally ones that already belong to the same colony. Their division of labor in caring for the young and working on the tunnels is part of what makes them so interesting to watch.

2. 2Burrow-Style Housing

   As underground animals, they suit a habitat where chambers are linked by tunnels, like a burrow. A layout with a dark resting chamber, a feeding area, and a separate toilet space helps the colony behave naturally. Their strong incisors gnaw, so choose durable materials and make sure the enclosure is escape-proof.

3. 3Warmth and Humidity

   With almost no fur, they are sensitive to cold and need steady warmth. Keep humidity from getting too dry, and monitor both with a thermostat and a thermo-hygrometer. Have a plan for power outages and seasonal temperature swings.

4. 4A Root-Vegetable Diet

   In the wild they feed on underground roots and tubers. In captivity, keepers commonly offer root vegetables such as sweet potato and carrot, combined with other fresh vegetables. Uneaten food spoils easily, so remove it during daily cleaning.

5. 5Watch Colony Changes

   The colony has a hierarchy headed by the queen, and tension can rise when members come and go or conditions change. Adding new animals or mixing in members of another colony can trigger fights, so proceed with great care. Observe how the individuals interact on a regular basis.

6. 6Skin and Health Checks

   Hairless skin is easy to injure, so choose smooth materials without sharp edges and check daily for scratches or dryness. If you notice changes in appetite or activity, consult a veterinarian who treats small or exotic animals early. It is reassuring to locate one before you bring the animals home.

7. 7Plan for the Long Term

   Captive lifespans run from 22 to 31 years, with records beyond 37. Think ahead about whether your life plans and living situation will allow you to keep them for decades. When choosing animals, ask the breeder in detail about the colony makeup, the animals' ages, and their feeding history.

Frequently asked questions about Naked Mole-rat

Q.Can I keep a single naked mole-rat?

A.They are colony animals, so keeping just one does not suit their natural biology, and keeping several is the norm. Because the colony is organized around a queen, talk to the breeder about which individuals belong together.

Q.Is it suitable for beginners?

A.It is rated for advanced keepers and is hard to recommend as a first small pet. It calls for temperature and humidity control, a burrow-style habitat, and colony management. Build experience with other small animals and gather information before considering one.

Q.How long do naked mole-rats live?

A.In captivity they live 22–31 years, and there are records beyond 37 years. That is remarkably long for a rodent, so consider whether you can provide care for that long before bringing them home.

Q.How big do they get?

A.Adults reach about 14.7–16.5 cm in body length and weigh 30–80 g. They are compact, but because they live in groups, they need an enclosure with enough chambers and tunnels for the whole colony.

Q.What do they eat?

A.In the wild they eat underground roots and tubers, and in captivity the diet is centered on root vegetables such as sweet potato and carrot. Add other fresh vegetables and remove uneaten food every day.

Useful tools for Naked Mole-rat care

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