113 Animals That Start With A (With Pictures and Videos)

What animals start with the letter A? Whether you need that piece of information for a biology paper, out of curiosity or to finally complete your crosswords, you will see that the animal kingdom is both diverse and surprising at the same time.

Without further ado, let’s get into the list of animals that start with the letter A.

Animals Starting With A – The Complete List

Aardvark

The aardvark originates from Africa and is the only species of the Tubulidentata. It is insectivorous and has adoptive features of a long snout, sharp claws, and long legs. It could be found in areas that are not rocky.

Aardwolf

Aardwolf is alternatively known as maanhaar-jackal, a shy, nocturnal animal. Originating from the Hyeanidae family and an insectivorous mammal. Shrublands and southern Africa are home to Aardwolf.

Abyssinian cat

This Ethiopia-originating cat is friendly, curious, and intelligent and offers excellent companionship. This feline likes high places and has dog-like traits. It co-exists with goldfish, small children, and birds.

Addax

Infamous for its antelope-like horns, residing in the African desert. Efforts are in place to stop factors leading to the extinction of this endangered species. Addax is characterized by its beautiful color and curly horns.

Adelie Penguin

This species is famous for being small and found in the southern ocean. It is a social animal and moves in large crowds. Interact through eye contact and body language.

Aesculapian snake

This is Europe’s longest snake, yet harmless and does not have venom. Its habitat involves hills and forests in Europe and western Asia.

Affenpinscher

This is a type of dog whose that has existed since 1600. It is fearless and confident, with a monkey-looking face. They are loyal and affectionate to children and adults, giving everyone a clown’s laugh.

Afghan Hound

Afghan Hound is among the old breed of dogs but is on the verge of extinction. They benefit breeders from the long silky hairs. They are independent, strong, and active, showing off their hair.

African Bullfrog

It is mainly found in sub-Saharan Africa and dominates worldwide in size. It eats as much as it can tackle and makes it great for pets to its fun. It croaks, bleats or roars when annoyed.

African Bush Elephant

The elephant takes the lead in size over all creatures. Their names emanate from their long husky tasks. The last breed existed in the last ice age. This mammal likely died of starvation from teeth fallout.

African Civet

Sub-Sahara is home to the remaining African civet species. It is a small carnivore, seen to dominate the forest through its opportunism. They possess cat-like behavior and looks. It is popular for its musk, produced when territorial boundaries are threatened. It has, however, aided the production of perfumes.

African Clawed Frog

The African clawed frog is considered among large species and is fond of dwelling in lakes and river bottoms. It is highly adapted to the preferred environment. South Africa is its origin, growing to parts of Europe and America.

African Forest Elephant

They are big but smaller than African bush Elephants. It is the largest land mammal and has four molar teeth, each weighing 5 kg. It is mainly found in central and southern Africa.

African Grey Parrot

It is the biggest in Africa and intelligent because it understands. It makes a great pet, leading it to be endangered. They have favorite music, with left-footed parrots knowing lesser words than right-footed parrots.

African Penguin

African penguins are mainly found in South Africa, along the south coast. It is closely related to the Humboldt and Magellan Penguins of South America. It was the first type of penguin discovered and the only species breeding on the African coast.

African Tree Frog

These frogs are characterized by highly bright colors, making them good for the Zoo exhibit. They are active at night and live in tropical areas. During winters, those in such areas hibernate.

African Tree Toad

These toads are toxic, but the toxins have medicinal use. It is found in subtropical and tropical lowland forests in Africa. It is fast with a speed of 5mph and sticks its tongue out at lightning speed to catch prey.

African Wild Dog

It is also known as a painted dog or cape hunting dog, canine and medium-sized. It has bright fur, making it distinct from domestic dogs. Lead for all canines in socialism and moves in groups of the thirties.

Agama Lizard

Males dominate in small lizard groups with a subordinate. It habituates in sub-Saharan Africa. It is unique in adaptation, reproduction, habitat, and identification. Once alarmed, its colors get brighter.

Aidi

Aidi originates from North Africa and have expertise in herding and protecting sheep from jackals. They are great at hunting and excellent scenting. Has a thick coat and is gentle with children.

Ainu

They are popularly known as Hokkaido or Seta dogs, and they are strong and loyal dogs. They are suited for outdoor activities, though gentle to be indoors. It is preferably imported from breeders in Japan. It is a good companion in adventure expeditions and defensive to owners from bears.

Airedale Terrier

England originated dog also known as the king of terriers. It is a hunter mainly pursuing rats and vermin. They are intelligent and reliable. It is a great choice for a family pet.

Airedoodle

This animal is appreciative of human company and rides a skateboard. It ideally befits an active family since it is clever, friendly, and courageous.

Akbash

This dog is common only in turkey and dates back to 3,000 years ago. It is a good watchdog and great at herding activities.

Akita Shepherd

This makes a great choice for police or guard dogs. Its breed is big and strong, brave and loyal. It makes a great pet for families.

Alabai

It is also known as Albay and is traditionally used to guard the flock and guard purposes. Its breed is large and originates from Russia.

Alaskan Husky

It is trained for pulling sledges during the snowy seasons. To date, they are famous in the Arctic for providing transport.

Alaskan Klee Kai

This Breed of dog is available in companion sizes. It has highly energetic and intelligent. It is available in 3 sizes; standard, toy, and miniature.

Alaskan malamute

This dog is large and bred purposely for its endurance and strength. It is used as a sleigh dog.

Alaskan Pollock

This type of fish is alternatively known as walleye Pollock. It is of the cod genus family and is mainly found in the eastern Bering seas.

Alaskan Shepherd

This is a crossbred between Alaskan malamute and German shepherd. It has a wolf-like appearance and is brave.

Albacore Tuna

This type of fish Resides in tropical temperature waters across the world. It has long fins and has a deep blue body-color, with shades of silver.

Albatross

This is a large sea bird that resides in the southern ocean of the pacific. Despite being large, they can fly with long wings. They eat fish and squid.

Aldabra Giant Tortoise

They are found in the Islands of Aldabra in Seychelles. It gunners first position in size of tortoises. In the past, they were common in West Indian Ocean islands.

Alligator

Similarly, an alligator is a crocodilian. There are multiple species, whereas others are only distinct in fossils. They have been in existence for more than 30 million years ago.

Alligator Gar

This type of fish is the largest in its family. It is a freshwater fish, mainly dominating in America. It has been in existence for the past 100 years.

Alpaca

This is a camelid mammal originating from South America. It is related to the llama and can cross-breed successfully. They are suitable in high-altitude areas like Peru.

Alpine Dachsbracke

This small breed of dog originates from Australia and is a good scent hound type. It was intended to track down deer that were wounded.

Alpine Goat

Alpine goat is available in large sizes and medium sizes. It is popular for its milking capacity. It has no particular coloring pattern, with horns and straight elect ears.

Alusky

This is a dog breed, perfect for pulling a sleigh. It is a crossbreed between Siberian husky and Alaskan malamute. It survives well in cold places.

Amazon Parrot

Amazon parrots are a wide range of Mexico, the Caribbean, and South America. It is part of the three parrot families. They are green in color, and shade is determined by breed.

Amazon Pink Dolphin

This is the largest species of dolphin found in the upper Madeira River and Orinoco basin. Adults have a pink color. The males dominate in the coloring. They are a species of toothed whales.

Ambrosia Beetle

The Ambrosia beetles are closely related to weevil families. They are mainly found in dead or unhealthy trees where they dig tunnels. They source their nutrition from fungal gardens.

American Alsatian

This type of dog looks like a dire wolf. It was developed in California in the 1980s. They are tall and weigh about 100 pounds, and have a lifespan of 9-13 years.

American Bulldog

This type of dog is large and muscular. Its main use is as a stock dog to guard farmers on farms. They hailed from English bulldog and arrived in America in the 17th century.

American Cocker Spaniel

This is a sports dog and closely related to the English Cocker Spaniel. It is the smallest sporting dog, in accordance with AKC. It has a unique shape, the head that makes it recognizable.

American cockroach

This is the largest and most common species of cockroaches. It is considered to be a pest, previously known as a waterbug. They are found in the US but originate from Africa and the Middle East.

American Coonhound

This type of dog has a reserved personality. If I socialize well, it makes me a good pet for the family. Its lifespan is 12 years and dates back to the 19th century.

American Dog Tick

It is known alternatively as a wood tick and carries bacteria that may cause several diseases. You get infected once it sucks blood, though it takes a few days for symptoms.

American Eskimo dog

This companion dog originated from Germany during the First World War period. There are 4 various sizes of the dog. It is mainly purposed to be a watchdog.

American foxhound

This is a breed of dog closely related to the English foxhound. This type of dog is a scent expert. It also hunts for foxes through scent hounds.

American Hairless Terrier

This breed originated in the United States and is a companion dog. It is hairless, having been developed from hairless rat Terries.

American Leopard Hound

This is a breed of dog that has expertise in hunting. It has UKC’s recognition for being a scent hound. It has a leopard-like appearance from the pattern on its fur.

American pit bull Terrier

It is a dog that is of medium size. It is intelligent and short-haired. It is well built, and its ancestors came from the British Isles.

American Pygmy Goat

This breed is also known as African pygmy. African dwarf goats built it in Cameroon. They are small in size, unlike the pygmy goats of the United Kingdom.

American Robin

This is a songbird from the thrush wider family. It is a songbird that is named after the European robin. It is reddish. It is found in Northern America.

American Staffordshire terrier

This type of dog is alternatively known as Am Staff. It is medium-sized and short-coated. Its roots would be traced back to the British Isles. It is confident, smart, and good for a pet.

American Toad

This species of toad is common in Canada and east of the USA. It lays eggs that hatch after 24 days. The tadpoles have skinny tails. It attains adulthood in 50-65 days.

American Water Spaniel

This refers to a dog breed originating from the US. It was developed in the 19th century from other breeds. They are a rare breed that is medium-sized, with a double-layered coat.

Amur Leopard

One leopard species is natively from Primorye, south Russia, and north China. It is critically endangered, as its survival is not guaranteed.

Anaconda

It is alternatively known as water boas, a large snake. Their main habitat is in tropical South America. There are currently four species.

Anatolian Shepherd Dog

This is a dog breed mainly specialized in herding livestock. It is natively Turkish and popular in Sivas. This dog lives with the sheep to scare away any oncoming predator.

Anchovy

This refers to a small type of fish, mostly found in marine waters. They are restricted to freshwater, with more than 140 species. They reside in the Indian, Atlantic, and Pacific oceans.

Angelfish

It is popular for its high and brightly colored scales. These 90 species of omnivorous angelfish. It is found in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. It changes colors, a unique character.

Anglerfish

This is a predator type of fish. Its fins are luminescent, which acts as a lure for other fish. The female is larger than the male and found across the globe.

Angora Ferret

This is a soft and small version of a domestic ferret. They manifest different colors and are a good choice for pets. They are friendly to children and are non-aggressive. They have existed for a few decades.

Angora goat

It is also known as the Ankara goat, a breed from Turkey. The hairs it produces are known as mohair. It is found worldwide, and many species have been derived from it.

Anole Lizard

This type of lizard finds suitable habitats in warm areas in America. They range from small to suitable sizes, and a male has a dewlap. It is brightly colored and changes color when matters of boundaries with other males are concerned.

Ant

It hails from the family of insects, which is related to wasps and bees. They are seen across the world but in their diversities.

Antarctic scale worm

This worm often grows to a width of 10cm and length of 20 cm. it is found widely across Antarctica and the Southern Ocean. It has large jaws and is grayish-brownish in color.

Anteater

This refers to a mammal species that eat ants and termites. They have long snouts and a thin tongue that can stretch and curve greater than their head’s length.

Antelope

These are even-toed species that are indigenous in Africa and Eurasia. They have horns that grow continuously. The word first appeared in 1417.

Appenzeller Dog

It is alternatively known as the mountain dog. They are usually team members during rescue missions of lost travelers in the Swiss Alps. It is loaded with energy and has colorful fur.

Apple Head Chihuahua

They are referred to as toy head dogs. They are traced back to Mexico. They are known to be loyal, smart, lovable, and courageous and have a long lifespan for a small dog breed.

Arafura File Snake

This is an aquatic snake mainly found in northern Australia and New Guinea. They have loose skin and prey on fish for food. Their skins are used to make drums in New Guinea.

Arapaima

This is one of the largest freshwater fish, attaining a length of 3m. They are the main target of fishermen, causing them to decline in number. They are natively found in South America.

Arctic Fox

It is alternatively known as the white fox. It is small and adoptively lives in cold places. The fur is camouflage and has a long fluffy tail. Some of them will not get past 1 year, while other attains full life at 11 years.

Arctic hare

This hare is highly adapted to live in the arctic tundra. It has a thick fur coat and will dig holes under the snow to hide and keep warm. Its body is 20% fat to help generate heat.

Arctic Wolf

It is alternatively known as the polar wolf or white wolf. Found in Canada, Queen Elizabeth Islands. They spend living in the northern treeline.

Arizona Bark Scorpion

Scorpions are small and light brown. Commonly found in the Sonoran Desert and the Southwestern US and Mexico. An adult attains 8 cm for males, and a female is slightly smaller.

Arizona Black Rattlesnake

Commonly found in the Southwestern US and popularly known as Arizona black. They have patterns that consist of dark grey and brown colors. Adults attain 78-109 cm.

Arizona Coral Snake

They are commonly known as Sonoran Coral Snake. It is mainly found in Mexico and Southwestern US. Their bodies consist of alternating rings of red, white, and black colors.

Armadillo

Armadillos have long shells that are leathery to protect them. They have sharp claws that they use for digging. On average, they attain 75 cm in length. They roll out into a ball whenever threatened by a predator.

Armadillo Lizard

These lizards find desert areas habitable. The coast of South Africa is most suitable. They are colored in light brown and an underbelly of the blackish pattern.

Aruba Rattlesnake

This is a venomous species found on Caribbean islands and the Venezuelan coast. Adults attain a length of 90cm and a weight of 1 kg.

Asian Arowana

There are many species of this fish distributed across South East Asia. They are also known as dragon fish, among other names. Adults feed on other fish, and small fish feed on insects.

Asian Cockroach

The discovery was made in 1981 in Japan. It is a small species of cockroaches that are 13 cm. Their colors range from dark brown to tan.

Asian Elephant

It is commonly known as Asiatic elephants. They are found in India and Southeast Asia. This is one of the largest animals on land.

Asian Giant Hornet

It is the world’s largest hornet. It is commonly known as the Japanese giant hornet. It is native to areas with tropical temperatures. They prefer living in low mountains or forests.

Asian Palm Civet

It is native to South East Asia and the South. It is covered in course fuzzy hairs that are grey. It feeds mostly on berries and seeds.

Asian Vine Snake

This is a snake that has a long tongue, resembling worms. It, therefore, lures prey like frogs. Natively found in Southeast Asia.

Asiatic Black Bear

This is a medium-sized bear and adopted to lifestyle arboreal. Natively found in the Himalayas. It is poached for medicinal body parts.

Asp

This is a type of poisonous snake and is mainly found in Europe. It is associated with Egyptian culture. They have triangular heads and are not related to cobras.

Assassin Bug

This insect is closely related to true bugs. They are predatory, and other relatives are bloodsucking. Their narrow necks identify them.

Atlantic Salmon

This is a type of fish and the 3rd largest in the Salmonidae family. They attain a meter length at maturity. They find habitation in oceans and rivers in Northern Atlantic.

Aussiedoodle

This is a crossbreed of commonly recognized dogs. It has been internationally bred but is yet to be recognized as an independent breed.

Australian Bulldog

This dog had existed since the 1990s when it was discovered. It is popular for its hunting skills. It is found in Queensland and is a mix of English bulldog and makes an exceptional pet.

Australian Cattle Dog

This breed is purposed to herd cattle. They are medium-sized, short fur. It is either in black or brown colors. It is energetic and intelligent.

Australian Cockroach

This is a large tropical cockroach. Its length is about 23-35mm. Its color is brown and has a pale yellow margin. It is smaller than the American cockroach.

Australian Flathead Perch

These are reef fish found in northern Australia. They are sold at high prices because they are suitable for aquariums.

Australian Gecko

This is common in Australia as a lizard. They are almost everywhere, in forests, beaches, deserts, and more. They like to be under rocks.

Australian Kelpie Dog

These affectionate dogs. Have been bred in Australia for work as shepherds. They are energetic, intelligent, and independent. They are able to stay in the sunshine for long hours.

Australian Labradoodle

This is a hypoallergenic guide dog created in Austria. Their main purpose is to help those with visual impairment and allergies to dogs.

Australian Mist

Its alternative name is spotted mist, a cross-bred cat between Abyssinian and Burmese cats. The breed was developed in 1975.

Australian Retriever

This is a crossbreed dog with two eye colors to inherit. It is bred from Australian shepherd parents that are famous.

Australian Shepherd

This dog is bred from herding dogs in the US and it was developed in the 19th century in California. It is known to be highbred, intelligent, affectionate, and friendly.

Australian Terrier

The dog is small with short legs, in the terrier family. It was developed in Australia. Its ancestral breeders originated from Great Britain.

Avocet

This is a wetlands bird, hailing from the family of stilts. They have long legs that are webbed to help maneuver the wetland. They also help them swim when necessary.

Axolotl

This is a salamander with close relations to the tiger salamander. Its habitat is lakes, especially in Mexico. They attain adulthood without metamorphosis like amphibians.

Aye-Aye

It is characterized by long fingers that are adoptive for finding food. This is the largest nocturnal primate. The front incisors are ever-growing.

Conclusion – Animals That Start With A

There you have it – the complete list of animals that start with the letter A. That’s quite a variety of birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians, don’t you think? By the way, is your favorite on that list? Feel free to live a comment and tell us more about your favorite animal that starts with A!