Quick Answer: Over 15 animals that start with the letter X, including the African ground squirrel (Xerus), the hairless Mexican dog (Xoloitzcuintli), the see-through X-ray Tetra, and Xantus’s Hummingbird. These animals live across Africa, the Americas, and beyond.
Quick Table of X Animals
| Animal | Type | Region | Fun Fact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xerus | Mammal | Africa | Uses its tail as a sun umbrella |
| Xoloitzcuintli | Dog | Mexico | Ancient Aztec sacred dog |
| X-ray Tetra | Fish | South America | See-through body shows organs |
| Xantus’s Hummingbird | Bird | Mexico | Beats wings up to 80 times/sec |
| Xenopus | Frog | Africa | Has no tongue – uses hands to eat |
Most Common Animals That Start With the Letter X
1. Xerus (African Ground Squirrel)
Scientific Name: Xerus erythropus | Habitat: African savannas and grasslands
The Xerus is a social ground squirrel known for using its big, bushy tail as shade in the hot African sun. Colonies can have up to 30 members, and their warning calls change depending on the predator. They can survive without drinking water, getting moisture from food.
Conservation Status: Least Concern
2. Xoloitzcuintli (Mexican Hairless Dog)
Scientific Name: Canis lupus familiaris | Origin: Mexico
Pronounced “show-low-eets-QUEENT-lee,” the Xolo is an ancient dog breed revered by the Aztecs. It comes in toy, miniature, and standard sizes, with hairless or coated varieties. Their naturally warm skin once made them “living heaters” in cold nights. Loyal, calm, and intelligent, they live 13–18 years.
3. X-ray Tetra
Scientific Name: Pristella maxillaris | Habitat: South American rivers
A tiny, schooling fish with a transparent body that reveals its internal organs. This see-through look acts as camouflage. Popular in aquariums, X-ray Tetras prefer soft, slightly acidic water and live 4–5 years.
4. Xantus’s Hummingbird
Scientific Name: Basilinna xantusii | Habitat: Baja California, Mexico
This small bird hovers like a helicopter while sipping nectar. Males have white eye stripes and rusty backs; females are duller in color. Their wings beat up to 80 times per second, and they can fly backwards and even upside down briefly.
5. Xenopus (African Clawed Frog)
Scientific Name: Xenopus laevis | Habitat: Sub-Saharan Africa
A fully aquatic frog with claw-like tips on its toes, used to tear food. They have no tongue and push food into their mouths with their hands. Widely used in scientific research, they feed on insects, small fish, and plants.
Other Notable X Animals
Xerus rutilus (Unstriped Ground Squirrel)
East African cousin of the common Xerus, lacking stripes and known for digging large burrow networks.
Xenops (Plain Xenops)
A small brown rainforest bird from Central and South America. Uses its wedge-shaped bill to pry bark and find insects.
Xenomystus nigri (African Knifefish)
A long, nocturnal freshwater fish that generates weak electrical fields to navigate and hunt. Can swim backwards as easily as forwards.
Xenochrophis (Keelback Snakes)
Semi-aquatic, non-venomous snakes from Asia that feed mainly on fish and frogs.
Xenodon (South American Hog-nosed Snakes)
Harmless snakes that “play dead” when threatened, rolling over with mouths open.
Xenarthra (Superorder)
Includes armadillos, anteaters, and sloths. They have extra vertebral joints for flexibility and specialized claws.
Xenurine (Pink Fairy Armadillo)
Tiny armadillo from Argentina, only 3–5 inches long. Spends most of its life underground.
Less Common X Animals (Brief List)
- Xenohyla truncata – A rare treefrog from Brazil’s Atlantic Forest.
- Xenopus tropicalis – Smaller cousin of the African Clawed Frog, important in genetic studies.
- Xestia – A genus of noctuid moths found in northern regions.
- Xiphias gladius – Scientific name for the swordfish, a fast and powerful ocean predator.
Fun Facts About X Animals
- Tail Shade: Xerus squirrels use their tails as umbrellas.
- No Tongue: African Clawed Frogs eat with their hands.
- Ancient Breed: Xolos date back over 3,000 years.
- Super Speed: Xantus’s Hummingbirds beat wings 80 times/sec.
- See-Through: X-ray Tetras reveal their internal organs.
- Electric Sense: Knifefish can sense weak electric fields.
FAQ
Q: What animals start with X?
A: Common examples include Xerus, Xoloitzcuintli, X-ray Tetra, Xantus’s Hummingbird, and Xenopus.
Q: Are any X animals mammals?
A: Yes. The Xerus, Xoloitzcuintli, Xenarthra group, and Pink Fairy Armadillo are all mammals.
Q: Where do most X animals live?
A: Many are found in Africa (Xerus, Xenopus) and the Americas (Xoloitzcuintli, Xantus’s Hummingbird, Xenops).
Conclusion
Animals that start with X are rare but remarkable, from the playful Xerus to the ancient Xoloitzcuintli. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or curious learner, this list offers fascinating facts for all ages. Next time someone asks for an animal starting with X, you’ll have more than enough answers!
