Animals that start with X seem non-existent, but they do exist. Generally, we are used to animals like dogs, lions, monkeys, snakes, goats, sheep and cows. But it may shock you to know that many do not consider animals whose names start with X.
This piece shares a fascinating list of these animals, as curated by Skabash! So, do not leave this space if you are curious to know them.
Top 20 animals that start with X
1. Xalda sheep
Xalda sheep are one of the oldest sheep breeds indigenous to Asturia in Northern Spain. Their origin can be traced as far back as 27 BCE, according to Greek historian, Estruban, who wrote of black tunics being made by the Asturi tribe out of the Xalda’s wool. These breeds used to be about 6,000 in Asturia. But the people used the Xalda sheep wool to make black tunics. Hence, they are now considered endangered species, with only about 1,700 of the breed left, according to Native Breed.org.
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2. Xantic Sargo
Xantic Sargos, also known as California Sargos, is a type of fish found in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. It often feeds on smaller fishes like kelp, seagrass and seaweed but it is also prey to bigger fishes. Xantic Sargo fishes are also delicacies for humans.
3. Xanthippe’s shrew
The Xanthippe’s shrew is a tiny species of shrew which can be predominantly found in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly Kenya and Tanzania. It mainly lives in shrublands and dry savannas. This shrew is related to moles despite having a long nose and rodent-like appearance.
4. Xantus’s hummingbird
The Xantus hummingbird is a medium-sized bird species native to Baja, California. Its average size is 3-3.5 inches. Also, its diet consists of nectar from flowering trees and flowers, which it eats a whopping 13 times a second.
5. Xantusia
The Xantusia belongs to the Xantusiidae family of night lizards. These lizards are tiny to medium-sized species. They can be found in South, North, and Central America.
6. X-Ray Tetra
X-Ray Tetra, also known as the Golden Pristella Tetra, is a small species of schooling fish that can be naturally found in the Amazon River’s coastal waters in South America. It is also known as Water Goldfinch due to its faint golden colouration and translucent skin. Its skin colour makes it possible to hide from predators. The X-Ray Tetra is a common sight at aquariums.
7. Xeme
Also known as Sabine’s Gull, the Xeme is a type of bird found in Europe and North America. It lives in the Arctic during the breeding season and migrates to tropical waters during the winter. A typical Xeme has dark grey masks and yellow-tipped beaks.
8. Xenarthra
Xenarthra is a member of the anteater and sloth family. This species mainly lives in live in rainforests in Latin America. Its stringent diet includes insects which it uses its long claws to dig for.
9. Xenochrophis
This is a genus of snakes also known as the Asian Keelbacks. They can be found in different parts of Asia. These reptiles are generally non-venomous and feed on small creatures like frogs, fish and insects. Meanwhile, “Xenochrophis” means “strange colour” due to the unique patterns and colours of the snakes.
10. Xenops
Xenops is a type of bird found mainly in the tropical rainforest of Central and South America. It is mainly known for its unique way of feeding which involves using its beak to chip away at tree bark looking for insects. Xenops also means “strange face” due to its oddly shaped beak.
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11. Xerus
A Xerus is commonly known as the African ground squirrel. In other words, it can be found in Africa and it is a member of the Sciuridae family. This breed is a ground-dwelling, terrestrial cousin of prairie dogs and marmots. It can be distinguished by its long tail, small ears, strong claws and prickly hair. You can find a Xerus in mainly stony, arid grasslands.
12. Xestia c-nigrum
The Xestia c-nigrum, also known as the lesser black-letter dart moth, is a medium to large-sized moth which is very common throughout Eurasia and North America. It feeds on hardwoods and grasses and is generally known for causing serious damage to peppermint and alfalfa crops.
13. Xingu Corydoras
Xingu Corydoras is a freshwater fish that originated from the upper Xingu River basin in Brazil and the South American seas. It is a placid species that has an omnivorous diet. This bottom-dwelling fish does not swim alone. It is usually found in small shoals of about six members.
14. Xinjiang Ground-jay
The Xinjiang Ground-jay is a member of the Corvidae family. This bird species is only as large as a human hand. It is a small bird that originates from Xinjiang in Northwest China. However, this group of species are endangered species as their numbers have greatly dwindled.
15. Xoloitzcuintle
The Xoloitzcuintle is a breed of hairless dogs and you can find them in three distinct sizes – toy, miniature and standard. Pronounced “show-low-eats-queent-lee,” these dogs are often used as pets, particularly watchdogs and need a lot of exercise. This is also one of the oldest breeds of dogs and is mostly native to Mexico. Unfortunately, the Xoloitzcuintle is gradually going extinct due to a dwindling interest among dog breeders.
16. Xolmis
Xolmis is a genus, belonging to the Tyrannidae family. This species of bird is referred to as “tyrant flycatchers”. It can be found in South America, in the tropical and subtropical shrublands and dilapidated former forests.
17. Xucaneb robber frog
This type of frog is exclusively found in Guatemala in Central America. It lives in bushes and other vegetation in hilly woods. Unlike many species of frogs, the Xucaneb robber frog usually starts to develop as a frog instead of a tadpole.
18. Xuthus swallowtail
The Xuthus swallowtail, also known as an Asian swallowtail, is a medium-sized, yellow, and black butterfly with an extension on each of its hindwings that resembles a tail. This species can be found in many parts of Asian countries such as China, Japan and other parts of Southeast Asia. It mainly lives in forests.
19. Xyrichtys Novacula
The Xyrichtys Novacula is a pearly razorfish which lives in clear shallow water from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea. it builds its nest from coral debris and lives on a diet of molluscs, crabs and shrimp. This type of fish is easily frightened, quickly diving headfirst into the sand for cover.
20. Xylocopa Violacea
The Xylocopa Violacea are huge but harmless insects. They are also known as large carpenter bees due to their nesting habit of burrowing into deadwood or reeds. These insects can be found in Europe where they tend to live as solitary creatures. You can spot their beautiful purple-blue wings among shallow-faced flowers.
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