Finding animals that start with the letter X is tricky. There aren’t many, but the few that exist are truly special.
If you’ve ever wondered “Are there any animals that start with X?” — this list has everything you need. Perfect for students, wildlife lovers, or anyone curious about the natural world.
1. Xerus (African Ground Squirrel)
Lives in: Africa
Eats: Seeds, nuts, roots, and insects
Fun fact: Xerus use their big bushy tails as umbrellas to shade themselves from the hot African sun.
2. Xenopus (African Clawed Frog)
Lives in: Sub-Saharan Africa
Eats: Worms, insects, and small fish
Fun fact: This frog spends its whole life in water and is known for its strong back legs and clawed feet.
3. Xantus’s Hummingbird
Lives in: Baja California, Mexico
Eats: Nectar and tiny insects
Fun fact: Known for its bright green feathers, this hummingbird moves so fast it can hover mid-air while sipping nectar.
4. X-Ray Tetra
Lives in: Amazon and Orinoco Rivers
Eats: Small insects, worms, and plants
Fun fact: You can see right through its body — that’s why it’s called the “X-Ray” tetra! A favorite among aquarium owners.
5. Xoloitzcuintli (Mexican Hairless Dog)
Lives in: Mexico
Eats: Meat, dog food, and vegetables
Fun fact: One of the oldest dog breeds in the world, once sacred to the Aztecs and believed to guide spirits to the afterlife.
6. Xenarthra (Animal Group)
Lives in: Central and South America
Eats: Ants, termites, and leaves
Fun fact: This group includes sloths, anteaters, and armadillos — all known for their slow, calm nature and strong claws.
7. Xenops
Lives in: Central and South America
Eats: Insects hiding under tree bark
Fun fact: A small forest bird related to woodpeckers, using its tiny beak to find insects in trees.
8. Xiphias Gladius (Swordfish)
Lives in: Warm and tropical oceans
Eats: Smaller fish and squid
Fun fact: Swordfish are among the fastest swimmers in the sea — reaching speeds of up to 60 mph!
9. Xeme (Sabine’s Gull)
Lives in: Arctic and coastal areas
Eats: Fish, insects, and crustaceans
Fun fact: This gull travels thousands of miles every year from the Arctic to warmer coastal waters.
10. Xantus’s Leaf-Toed Gecko
Lives in: Baja California
Eats: Small insects and spiders
Fun fact: With its wide toes, this gecko can climb walls and ceilings with ease — no glue needed!
Quick Table – Animals That Start with X
| Animal Name | Type | Where It Lives |
|---|---|---|
| Xerus | Mammal | Africa |
| Xenopus | Amphibian | Sub-Saharan Africa |
| Xantus’s Hummingbird | Bird | Mexico |
| X-Ray Tetra | Fish | Amazon Basin |
| Xoloitzcuintli | Mammal (Dog) | Mexico |
| Xenarthra | Mammal Group | South America |
| Xenops | Bird | Rainforests of South America |
| Xiphias Gladius (Swordfish) | Fish | Warm Oceans |
| Xeme | Bird | Arctic & Coastal Regions |
| Xantus’s Leaf-Toed Gecko | Reptile | Baja California |
Final Thoughts
Even though there aren’t many animals starting with X, the ones that do are unique and fascinating.
From the transparent X-ray Tetra to the ancient Xoloitzcuintli, these creatures show how creative nature can be.
If you’re making a wildlife list or helping your kids with schoolwork, this guide gives you everything you need — simple, clear, and full of fun facts.