The term
agouti (, ) or
common agouti designates several
rodent species of the
genus Dasyprocta. They are native to
Middle America, northern and central
South America, and the southern
Lesser Antilles. Some species have also been
introduced elsewhere in the
West Indies. They are related to
guinea pigs and look quite similar, but are larger and have longer legs. The species vary considerably in colour, being brown, reddish, dull orange, greyish or blackish, but typically with lighter underparts. Their bodies are covered with coarse hair which is raised when alarmed. They weigh and are in length, with short, hairless tails.