The topic of “Animals that start with S” is a list of different animals whose common names begin with the letter “S”. The list includes animals from various taxonomic groups, such as mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, and invertebrates.
The purpose of the list is to provide an overview of the diverse range of animal species that share the common characteristic of starting with the letter “S”. The list can be used for educational or entertainment purposes, as well as for inspiring curiosity and interest in the natural world.
- Savannah Cat
- Salamander
- Samoyed
- Sand Dollar
- Sandpiper
- Saola
- Sawfish
- Scorpion
- Seahorse
- Seal
- Shark
- Sheep
- Shih Tzu
- Shrimp
- Siberian Tiger
- Silverback Gorilla
- Skink
- Sloth
- Snail
- Snake
- Snow Leopard
- Snowshoe Hare
- Sparrow
- Spider
- Squirrel
- Sturgeon
- Swan
- Swordfish
- Starfish
- Sea otter
1. Savannah Cat
Taxonomy:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Carnivora
- Family: Felidae
- Genus: Felis
- Species: F. catus
Short description: The Savannah Cat is a hybrid cat breed that was created by breeding a domestic cat with a wild African Serval. The breed is known for its tall, lean build, large ears, and spotted coat. Savannah Cats are active, playful, and social cats that require lots of attention and stimulation.
Fun fact: Savannah Cats are known for their love of water and often enjoy playing in the sink or bathtub. Some owners even report that their Savannah Cats have learned to turn on the faucet by themselves!
2. Salamander
Taxonomy:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Amphibia
- Order: Caudata
Short description: Salamanders are a group of amphibians that are known for their long, slender bodies, moist skin, and tails. They can range in size from just a few centimeters to over a meter in length. Salamanders are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, wetlands, and streams, and they play an important role in their ecosystems as both predators and prey.
Fun fact: Some species of salamanders are able to regenerate lost limbs, tails, and even parts of their organs. This remarkable ability has made them a subject of scientific study and research.
3. Samoyed
Taxonomy:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Carnivora
- Family: Canidae
- Genus: Canis
- Species: Canis lupus familiaris
Short description: The Samoyed is a fluffy dog breed that originated in Siberia. They are known for their thick, white coats and smiling expressions. Samoyeds were originally bred to work as herders, sled dogs, and guardians, and they have a strong instinct to take care of their family.
Fun fact: Samoyeds are sometimes called “smiling Sammies” because of their characteristic smile. This is caused by the shape of their eyes and the way their mouths curve upwards.
4. Sand Dollar
Taxonomy:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Echinodermata
- Class: Echinoidea
Short description: The Sand Dollar is a type of echinoderm that is found on sandy ocean floors. They are shaped like flattened disks and are covered in tiny, hair-like spines. Sand Dollars are known for their distinctive five-pointed star pattern on their surface, which is actually the remains of their skeleton.
Fun fact: Sand Dollars have a unique way of feeding – they use their spines to capture plankton and other tiny organisms that float by. They then use small, hair-like structures called cilia to move the food towards their mouth.
5. Sandpiper
Taxonomy:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves
- Order: Charadriiformes
- Family: Scolopacidae
Short description: The Sandpiper is a group of small to medium-sized shorebirds that are found in coastal areas around the world. They have long, thin bills that they use to probe the sand for small invertebrates, such as insects and crustaceans. Sandpipers have long legs and are well adapted to walking and running on sandy and muddy substrates.
Fun fact: Sandpipers are known for their long migrations, with some species traveling thousands of miles each year between their breeding and wintering grounds. The Bar-tailed Godwit, a type of Sandpiper, holds the record for the longest non-stop flight of any bird, flying over 7,500 miles without stopping to rest or eat.
6. Saola
Taxonomy:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Artiodactyla
- Family: Bovidae
- Genus: Pseudoryx
- Species: Pseudoryx nghetinhensis
Short description: The Saola, also known as the Asian Unicorn, is a critically endangered species of bovine that is found in the Annamite Mountains of Vietnam and Laos. They have distinctive long, straight horns and a white stripe running down their face. Saolas are incredibly rare and elusive, and are considered one of the most mysterious large mammals in the world.
Fun fact: Saolas were only discovered by scientists in 1992, making them one of the most recent large mammal discoveries. They are so rare that there have only been a few confirmed sightings in the wild, and very little is known about their behavior and ecology.
7. Sawfish
Taxonomy:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Chondrichthyes
- Order: Pristiformes
- Family: Pristidae
Short description: The Sawfish is a type of fish that is known for its long, flattened snout that is lined with sharp teeth. The snout, or “saw,” is used to detect and stun prey, as well as to defend against predators. Sawfish are found in shallow, coastal waters around the world and are classified as endangered due to overfishing and habitat loss.
Fun fact: Sawfish are actually more closely related to rays than they are to sharks, despite their shark-like appearance. They can grow up to 20 feet in length and are one of the largest fish found in coastal waters.
8. Scorpion
Taxonomy:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Class: Arachnida
- Order: Scorpiones
Short description: The Scorpion is a predatory arachnid that is found in deserts and other dry habitats around the world. They have a pair of pincers at the front of their body, which they use to capture prey, and a long, curved tail that is tipped with a venomous stinger. Scorpions are nocturnal and feed primarily on insects and other small animals.
Fun fact: Some species of scorpions are able to fluoresce under ultraviolet light, which makes them visible in the dark. This ability is thought to be an adaptation to help them evade predators and hunt more effectively.
9. Seahorse
Taxonomy:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Actinopterygii
- Order: Syngnathiformes
- Family: Syngnathidae
- Genus: Hippocampus
Short description: The Seahorse is a small, upright fish that is known for its unique appearance and behavior. They have a long, thin snout and a curled tail that they use to grasp onto objects such as seagrass or coral. Seahorses are also one of the few species where the male carries the eggs and gives birth to the young.
Fun fact: Seahorses are not very good swimmers and rely on their tail to anchor themselves in place. They are also able to change color to blend in with their surroundings and avoid predators.
10. Seal
Taxonomy:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Carnivora
- Family: Phocidae
Short description: Seals are a group of aquatic mammals that are well adapted to life in the water. They have streamlined bodies, webbed feet, and a thick layer of blubber to keep them warm in cold ocean waters. Seals are found in both the Arctic and Antarctic regions, as well as in temperate and tropical oceans.
Fun fact: Seals are excellent divers and can stay underwater for up to two hours at a time. They also use a technique called “countershading” to help them avoid predators, where their darker backs blend in with the ocean floor and their lighter bellies blend in with the sunlight from above.
11. Shark
Taxonomy:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Chondrichthyes
- Subclass: Elasmobranchii
- Superorder: Selachimorpha
Short description: Sharks are a group of fish with a distinctive appearance, featuring a cartilaginous skeleton, five to seven gill slits on the sides of their head, and multiple rows of sharp teeth. They are found in oceans all over the world and come in a variety of sizes and shapes, from the small pygmy shark to the massive whale shark.
Fun fact: Sharks have been around for more than 400 million years and have evolved to become one of the ocean’s top predators. Despite their reputation as man-eaters, sharks are not as dangerous to humans as we might think – on average, there are only about 80 shark attacks per year, and of those, only about six are fatal.
12. Sheep
Taxonomy:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Artiodactyla
- Family: Bovidae
- Subfamily: Caprinae
- Genus: Ovis
Short description: Sheep are domesticated mammals that are raised for their wool, meat, and milk. They have been bred for thousands of years and come in a variety of breeds with different types of wool, from the curly-haired Merino to the long-haired Cotswold. Sheep are herbivores and are often raised in flocks on farms.
Fun fact: Sheep have excellent memories and can recognize up to 50 individual faces, even after years of separation. They also have a unique social hierarchy within their flock, with dominant individuals often butting heads to establish their place in the group.
13. Shih Tzu
Taxonomy:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Carnivora
- Family: Canidae
- Genus: Canis
- Species: Canis lupus
- Subspecies: Canis lupus familiaris
Short description: The Shih Tzu is a small toy dog breed that originated in China. They are known for their long, silky hair that requires regular grooming and their friendly, outgoing personalities. Shih Tzus are often kept as companion pets and are popular due to their small size, loyalty, and affectionate nature.
Fun fact: Shih Tzus were bred to be lap dogs for Chinese royalty and were highly prized in the Imperial Court. They were often given as gifts to foreign dignitaries and were one of the few dog breeds that were allowed inside the palace.
14. Shrimp
Taxonomy:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Crustacea
- Class: Malacostraca
- Order: Decapoda
- Suborder: Pleocyemata
- Infraorder: Caridea
Short description: Shrimp are small crustaceans that live in both freshwater and saltwater environments. They have a hard exoskeleton and a long, slender body with multiple pairs of legs and antennae. Shrimp are a popular seafood around the world and are used in many different cuisines.
Fun fact: Some species of shrimp can make a snapping sound by quickly contracting their powerful abdominal muscles, which creates a cavitation bubble that then collapses and produces a loud noise. This is used as a defense mechanism against predators or as a way to communicate with other shrimp.
15. Siberian Tiger
Taxonomy:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Carnivora
- Family: Felidae
- Genus: Panthera
- Species: Panthera tigris
- Subspecies: Panthera tigris altaica
Short description: The Siberian Tiger, also known as the Amur tiger, is the largest cat in the world and is native to the forests of eastern Russia, northeastern China, and northern North Korea. They are known for their distinctive orange fur with black stripes and their powerful build. Siberian tigers are apex predators and are threatened due to habitat loss and poaching.
Fun fact: Siberian tigers have thick fur that helps them survive in their cold environment, and their fur is also striped on their skin, not just their fur. This means that even if their fur is shaved, their stripes will still be visible.
16. Silverback Gorilla
Taxonomy:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Primates
- Family: Hominidae
- Genus: Gorilla
- Species: Gorilla gorilla
- Subspecies: Gorilla gorilla gorilla
Short description: The Silverback Gorilla is a subspecies of the Eastern Gorilla, and is found in the forests of central and eastern Africa. They are called Silverback Gorillas due to the silver hair on their backs, which develops as they reach maturity. Silverback Gorillas are the largest primates on Earth, and can weigh up to 400 pounds. They are herbivores and live in social groups, led by a dominant male known as the silverback.
Fun fact: Silverback Gorillas are incredibly strong, and can lift up to 10 times their own body weight. They also have opposable thumbs, which allows them to manipulate objects and use tools, such as sticks to measure the depth of water.
17. Skink
Taxonomy:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Reptilia
- Order: Squamata
- Family: Scincidae
Short description: Skinks are a family of lizards that are found all over the world, except for Antarctica. They are typically small, with smooth, shiny scales and long, slender bodies. Most skinks have four legs and a long tail, although some species have lost their legs over time. They are omnivores, feeding on insects, fruits, and vegetation, and some species are even able to regrow their tails if they are lost.
Fun fact: Skinks are known for their ability to shed their tails as a defense mechanism. If a predator grabs onto their tail, they will detach it, allowing the skink to escape. The tail will continue to wiggle and move, distracting the predator while the skink makes a getaway.
18. Sloth
Taxonomy:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Pilosa
- Family: Bradypodidae (three-toed sloths), Megalonychidae (two-toed sloths)
Short description: Sloths are arboreal mammals that are found in Central and South America. There are two types of sloths: two-toed and three-toed. They are known for their slow movement and low metabolic rate, and can spend up to 20 hours a day sleeping. Sloths have long arms and claws that allow them to move through trees with ease, and they have a specialized stomach to digest the tough, fibrous leaves that make up their diet.
Fun fact: Sloths are known for their slow movement, but they are excellent swimmers. In fact, they can hold their breath for up to 40 minutes and can swim up to 3 times faster than they can move on land. Sloths will sometimes drop from trees into water as a way of avoiding predators.
19. Snail
Taxonomy:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Mollusca
- Class: Gastropoda
Short description: Snails are soft-bodied, slow-moving, and typically have a coiled shell on their back. They are found in a variety of habitats, from the ocean to freshwater streams to land. Snails move by secreting mucus, which reduces friction and allows them to glide over surfaces. They are herbivores and feed on a variety of plants and algae.
Fun fact: Some species of snails have the ability to self-fertilize, meaning they can reproduce without a mate. They are hermaphrodites, possessing both male and female reproductive organs. Additionally, some snails have the ability to regenerate their shells if they are damaged or lost.
20. Snake
Taxonomy:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Subphylum: Vertebrata
- Class: Reptilia
- Order: Squamata
- Suborder: Serpentes
Short description: Snakes are elongated, legless reptiles that are found on every continent except Antarctica. They have scaly skin, a forked tongue, and are carnivorous. Most snakes are non-venomous, but some are venomous and use their venom to subdue their prey or for self-defense. Snakes come in a variety of colors and patterns, and can range in size from a few inches to over 30 feet long.
Fun fact: Snakes have a unique way of eating their prey. They use their jaws to stretch their mouths open wide and then swallow their prey whole. Snakes also have the ability to unhinge their jaws in order to swallow prey that is larger than their head.
21. Snow Leopard
Taxonomy:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Carnivora
- Family: Felidae
- Genus: Panthera
- Species: P. uncia
Short description: Snow leopards are large cats that inhabit the mountainous regions of Central and South Asia. They are well adapted to living in cold environments and have thick fur that helps them stay warm. Snow leopards are solitary animals and are known for their elusive nature. They are also excellent climbers and can leap up to 50 feet in a single bound.
Fun fact: Snow leopards have a unique vocalization called a “chuff.” It is a friendly greeting that they use to communicate with other snow leopards or to show affection towards their cubs. Snow leopards are also the national animal of Afghanistan.
22. Snowshoe Hare
Taxonomy:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Lagomorpha
- Family: Leporidae
- Genus: Lepus
- Species: L. americanus
Short description: The Snowshoe Hare is a small, rabbit-like animal that lives in the boreal forests of North America. They are named after their large, furry feet that help them move across snow-covered ground. The Snowshoe Hare has a brown coat in the summer that turns white in the winter to blend in with the snow. They are also known for their large, distinctive ears.
Fun fact: The Snowshoe Hare has a unique adaptation called “seasonal camouflage.” In the summer, their brown fur blends in with the forest floor, while in the winter, their white fur blends in with the snow. This adaptation helps them avoid predators like lynx, coyotes, and foxes.
23. Sparrow
Taxonomy:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves
- Order: Passeriformes
- Family: Passeridae
- Genus: Passer
Short description: The Sparrow is a small, common bird found all over the world, with over 140 species in the Passeridae family. They have small, triangular bills and are typically brown or gray in color, with some species having distinctive markings on their head or wings. Sparrows are known for their cheerful songs and their ability to adapt to various habitats, from cities to rural areas.
Fun fact: The House Sparrow, one of the most common sparrow species, is not actually native to North America. They were introduced from Europe in the 1800s and have since spread across the continent, often competing with native bird species for resources.
24. Spider
Taxonomy:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Class: Arachnida
- Order: Araneae
Short description: Spiders are eight-legged arachnids found all over the world. They come in a wide variety of sizes and colors, with over 48,000 species identified so far. Spiders have two main body parts – the cephalothorax and the abdomen – and typically have six or eight eyes. They are known for spinning silk, which they use for a variety of purposes, such as webs for catching prey, shelter, and egg sacs.
Fun fact: Spiders play an important role in controlling insect populations, as they are natural predators of many common household pests such as flies and mosquitoes. In fact, some studies have shown that spiders can consume up to 800 million tons of insects per year!
25. Squirrel
Taxonomy:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Rodentia
- Family: Sciuridae
Short description: Squirrels are small to medium-sized rodents found all over the world, with more than 200 species identified so far. They are known for their bushy tails and their ability to climb trees with ease. Squirrels have sharp front teeth that never stop growing, which they use to gnaw on nuts and seeds. They are generally herbivorous and eat a variety of foods, including nuts, fruits, seeds, and sometimes insects.
Fun fact: Squirrels have an excellent memory and are able to recall the locations of hundreds of buried nuts and seeds, which they retrieve later when food is scarce. They also have the ability to jump up to 20 feet in a single leap!
26. Sturgeon
Taxonomy:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Actinopterygii
- Order: Acipenseriformes
- Family: Acipenseridae
Short description: Sturgeons are a family of ancient fish that have been around for more than 250 million years. They are found in both freshwater and saltwater, and are known for their large size, bony plates called scutes, and their long, pointed snouts. Sturgeons are highly valued for their roe, which is used to make caviar, and they are often considered a delicacy.
Fun fact: Sturgeons are one of the largest freshwater fish in the world, and some species can grow up to 18 feet in length and weigh more than a ton! They are also known for their long lifespans, with some individuals living for more than 100 years.
27. Swan
Taxonomy:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Subfamily: Anserinae
- Genus: Cygnus
Short description: Swans are large, graceful birds that are found throughout the world. They are known for their long necks, powerful wings, and distinctive white plumage, although some species have black feathers. Swans are also known for their loyalty, with pairs often staying together for life.
Fun fact: Swans are some of the largest flying birds in the world, with some species having wingspans of up to 10 feet! They are also known for their ability to fly long distances without stopping, and some species migrate thousands of miles each year.
28. Swordfish
Taxonomy:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Actinopterygii
- Order: Perciformes
- Family: Xiphiidae
- Genus: Xiphias
- Species: X. gladius
Short Description: The swordfish is a large, predatory fish that belongs to the family Xiphiidae. They are found in the warm and temperate waters of the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific oceans and are known for their long, pointed bill that resembles a sword.
Fun Fact: Swordfish can swim at speeds of up to 60 miles per hour, making them one of the fastest fish in the ocean.
29. Starfish
Taxonomy:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Echinodermata
- Class: Asteroidea (Starfish)
Short description: Starfish are characterized by their radial symmetry, typically having five arms (though some species have more). They have a rough texture, often covered in spines or tubercles, and come in various colors and patterns. Starfish have a unique water vascular system that enables them to move, feed, and respire.
Fun fact: Starfish have a remarkable ability to regenerate. If one of their arms gets damaged or severed, they can regrow it over time. Some species can even regenerate a whole new starfish from a single arm and a portion of the central disc.
30. Sea Otter
Taxonomy:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Carnivora
- Family: Mustelidae
- Genus: Enhydra
- Species: Enhydra lutris
Short description: The sea otter, scientifically known as Enhydra lutris, is a marine mammal that belongs to the weasel family (Mustelidae). They are the largest members of the family, with a streamlined body adapted for life in the water. Sea otters are known for their dense fur, which is highly valued and has historically made them vulnerable to overhunting. They are native to the northern Pacific Ocean, ranging from Alaska down to California.
Fun fact: Sea otters are incredibly skilled in their aquatic environment. They have the densest fur of any mammal, with around 1 million hairs per square inch, which helps keep them warm in the cold ocean waters. Additionally, they use rocks as tools to crack open shellfish like clams and sea urchins. They float on their backs and place the shellfish on their chests, striking them against the rocks to break them open—a behavior that is passed down through generations.
Final thoughts
Throughout this article, we explored 30 different animals that start with the letter S. We covered a diverse range of animals, including mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, and even insects.
Each entry included the taxonomy of the animal, a short description of its characteristics, a fun fact, and a link to Google images to help readers visualize the animal.
We began with the Savannah Cat, a hybrid breed of domestic cat and African serval. We then moved on to discuss animals such as the Salamander, a type of amphibian known for its regenerative abilities, and the Samoyed, a fluffy and friendly dog breed originating from Siberia. Other notable animals we discussed include the Sand Dollar, a type of echinoderm that looks like a coin and is often used in crafts and jewelry, and the Saola, a rare and elusive species of bovine found in the forests of Southeast Asia.We also discussed a number of animals that may be more commonly known, such as the Shark, the Snake, and the Snow Leopard.
Each entry provided a unique perspective on the animal, including its role in its ecosystem and any interesting behaviors or adaptations it possesses. Overall, this article provides an interesting and educational overview of some of the many fascinating animals that begin with the letter S. Whether you are a student, an animal lover, or simply someone looking to expand your knowledge, this article has something to offer.
50 Animals that start with L – Listed animals with pictures and facts
Erzsebet Frey (Eli Frey) is an ecologist and online entrepreneur with a Master of Science in Ecology from the University of Belgrade. Originally from Serbia, she has lived in Sri Lanka since 2017. Eli has worked internationally in countries like Oman, Brazil, Germany, and Sri Lanka. In 2018, she expanded into SEO and blogging, completing courses from UC Davis and Edinburgh. Eli has founded multiple websites focused on biology, ecology, environmental science, sustainable and simple living, and outdoor activities. She enjoys creating nature and simple living videos on YouTube and participates in speleology, diving, and hiking.