Here you’ll find 7 Common Animals that start with X, organized from “X-ray tetra” to “Xoloitzcuintli”. Although X is rare as an initial letter, these entries show global habitats and familiar common names.
Common Animals that start with X are species whose common English names begin with the letter X. The Xoloitzcuintli is a notable example, an ancient Mexican dog long important in Aztec culture.
Below you’ll find the table with Common name, Scientific name, Order, and Habitat/distribution.
Common name: The familiar name you know and use, useful for quick identification and everyday searching.
Scientific name: The Latin binomial used in formal lists, which you can use to find precise taxonomic information.
Order: Higher-level grouping that shows evolutionary relationships and helps you compare related animals across families.
Habitat/distribution: Brief note on where the animal lives and its geographic range, useful for field spotting and study.
Methodology note: This list uses widely used common names and accepted scientific names for clarity and consistency.
See also the A–Z index page for other letters and full alphabetical navigation.
Common Animals that start with X
| Common Name | Scientific Name | Order | Habitat/Distribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xantus’s murrelet | Synthliboramphus hypoleucus | Auks and puffins (Charadriiformes) | Coastal islands off Baja California, Mexico |
| Xantus’s hummingbird | Basilinna xantusii | Hummingbirds (Apodiformes) | Baja California and nearby mainland Mexico |
| Xantus’s leaf-toed gecko | Phyllodactylus xanti | Lizards and snakes (Squamata) | Rocky coastal areas of Baja California, Mexico |
| X-ray tetra | Pristella maxillaris | Tetras and relatives (Characiformes) | Amazon and coastal rivers in northern South America |
| Xoloitzcuintli | Canis familiaris | Dogs (Carnivora) | Domesticated; originated in Mexico, now worldwide |
| Xingu River ray | Potamotrygon leopoldi | Rays and skates (Myliobatiformes) | Xingu River basin, Brazil |
| Xeme | Xema sabini | Gulls and terns (Charadriiformes) | Arctic coasts and open seas worldwide |
Descriptions
Xantus’s murrelet
Small auk that nests on rocky islands; named for naturalist John Xantus, a shy seabird with dark cap and pale belly.
Xantus’s hummingbird
Tiny hummingbird endemic to Baja California; males show bright green and violet throat and visit feeders and scrubby desert flowers.
Xantus’s leaf-toed gecko
Small nocturnal gecko with leaf-shaped toe pads; named for John Xantus and often found on rocks and walls at night.
X-ray tetra
Popular aquarium fish with a translucent, silvery body and dark spot; peaceful omnivore commonly sold as the “X-ray tetra.”
Xoloitzcuintli
Ancient Mexican hairless dog breed, often called “Xolo”; valued as companion and cultural symbol, comes in hairless and coated varieties.
Xingu River ray
Striking black freshwater stingray with white spots, endemic to the Xingu; popular in aquaria but vulnerable to habitat changes.
Xeme
Short English name for Sabine’s gull; a small, tern-like gull with a forked tail and distinctive seasonal plumage.
