Alpacas (Lama pacos) are the smallest of the domesticated camelid species. Unlike the solitary llama, alpacas feel safer in groups. There are two breeds of alpaca: the Huacaya alpaca, and the Suri alpaca.
Size[]
The weight of an adult alpaca ranges from 55 to 65 kg. Head and body length ranges from 1200 to 2250 mm, tail length ranges from 150 to 250 mm, and shoulder height from 900 to 1300 mm.
Looks[]
The alpaca has a slender body and neck. The head is small, and the ears are big and pointed. The coat is either uniform or multicolor. According to “The Alpaca Owners and Breeders Association” alpaca coats have up to 22 colors, from white to black and brown. In adult males the upper and lower incisors and the lower canines develop into fighting teeth or fangs that can be more than 3 cm long. In females these teeth do not develop as much as in males. Other than the difference in tooth morphology, sexual dimorphism in alpacas is minor.
Diet[]
Alpacas eat grass and hay.
Lifespan[]
Alpacas can live up to 40 years.
