A domestic species of rodent originating from South America, related to the [[capybara]]. The guinea pig is tailless and herbivorous, with a stout, "potato-like" body shape and a size approximately twice that of a common rat. To the uninitiated, the guinea pig may resemble an oversized hamster.

Guinea pigs are highly vocal rodents and are noted for making a characteristic "wheek" sound when excited or hungry. This sound is rendered as "pui" in Japanese onomatopoeia. 

The scientific name of the species is [i]Cavia porcellus[/i]. It is sometimes also called "cavy" by breeders and owners. Guinea pigs were frequently used as experimental animals in research; hence the word "guinea pig" is often also used metaphorically to refer to experimental subjects.

h4. See also

* [[Capybara]] [tn]- Related species[/tn]
* [[Pui Pui Molcar]] [tn]- Japanese animated series featuring guinea pig/car hybrids[/tn]

h4. External links

* "Wikipedia - Guinea Pig":[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guinea_pig]
モルモット 天竺鼠 기니피그