Chimaera vs Lesser Capybara

Chimaera monstrosa compared with Hydrochoerus isthmius

Key Differences

• Chimaera is Vulnerable while Lesser Capybara is Data Deficient.

Taxonomic Classification

Rank	Chimaera	Lesser Capybara
Kingdom same	Animalia (Animals)	Animalia (Animals)
Phylum same	Chordata (Chordates)	Chordata (Chordates)
Class	Holocephali (Holocephali)	Mammalia (Mammals)
Order	Chimaeriformes (Chimaeriformes)	Rodentia (Rodents)
Family	Chimaeridae	Caviidae
Genus	Chimaera	Hydrochoerus
Species	Chimaera monstrosa	Hydrochoerus isthmius

Evolutionary Relationship

Chimaera and Lesser Capybara share a common ancestor at the Phylum level: Chordata. (Chordates)

Conservation Status

Chimaera

VU — Vulnerable

Lesser Capybara

DD — Data Deficient

Physical Characteristics

Attribute	Chimaera	Lesser Capybara
Diet	—	—
Average Lifespan	—	—
Average Length	—	—
Average Weight	—	—

Habitat & Geographic Range

Chimaera

Habitat

Native to Europe, inhabiting ecosystems characteristic of the region.

Range

Distributed across Denmark, Norway, Portugal, and Sweden. Currently classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, this species faces significant conservation challenges across its range.

Lesser Capybara

Habitat

Typically found in diverse terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.

Range

Distributed across Colombia and Venezuela.

Chimaera

The Chimaera (Chimaera monstrosa) is a species in the genus Chimaera. It is currently classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Native to Europe, inhabiting ecosystems characteristic of the region.