The largest hamster in the world is the black-bellied hamster (scientific name: Cricetus cricetus), also known as the European hamster or European golden hamster. Here are its key characteristics:
Size Data
Body length: Adult individuals can reach 20–35 cm (comparable in size to a small Chihuahua).
Weight: 400–900 grams, far exceeding that of ordinary pet hamsters (which typically weigh 30–150 grams).
Tail length: 4–6 cm, noticeably longer than that of other hamster species.
Physical Traits
Fur color: The back is yellowish-brown or brownish-gray, while the belly is distinctly black; some individuals may have white patches.
Cheek pouches: Equipped with highly expandable cheek pouches capable of storing large amounts of food.
Ecological Habits
Habitat: Found in farmlands and grasslands across Belgium, Central Europe, and Russia.
Activity time: Strictly nocturnal, with peak activity between 19:00–22:00 or from midnight to early morning.
Diet: Primarily feeds on plant seeds and roots, with occasional insects.
Special Comparisons
Its size is 2–3 times that of common pet hamsters (such as Syrian hamsters) and even larger than some guinea pigs.
In the wild, it can live up to 8 years, significantly longer than the average lifespan of commercially available pet hamsters (2–3 years).
Note: The internet rumor of "hamsters weighing over 100 jin (50 kg)" is false. The largest verified record remains with the black-bellied hamster.