When hatched, the young is naked and measures about 12 mm in length. It sucks the thick, yellowish milk that flows from the mammary glands, which open into the pouch. The young remains in the pouch for six to eight weeks, or until its spines begin to develop. At this age it is about 90-100 mm long. It is then deposited in a sheltered spot by the mother, which continues to nurse it during periodic visits.
Sexual maturity is reached at the end of one year of life.
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