This list includes 21 Common Animals that start with Z, from “Zambezi shark” to “Zorilla”. Several entries are African or coastal species, reflecting how few common animal names begin with Z.
Common animals that start with Z are species whose widely used English names begin with the letter Z. A notable example is the zebra, whose striking stripes appear in many cultural stories and scientific studies.
Below you’ll find the table with common name, scientific name, order, and habitat/distribution.
Common name: The everyday name people use, helping you quickly recognize and search for each animal.
Scientific name: The Latin binomial gives precise identification so you can find exact species information and avoid name confusion.
Order: The taxonomic order groups related animals, helping you compare traits and spot broader biological patterns.
Habitat/distribution: Brief notes on where the animal lives and its geographic range, helping you assess likely sightings.
Methodology: We prioritize widely used common names and verified scientific names, favoring species with clear records and broad recognition.
A–Z index: See the main A–Z index to explore animals for every other letter of the alphabet.
Common Animals that start with Z
| Common name | Scientific name | Order | Habitat/Distribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zebra | Equus (genus) | Perissodactyla | African savannas and grasslands |
| Zebu | Bos indicus | Artiodactyla | South Asia, tropical domesticated ranges |
| Zebrafish | Danio rerio | Cypriniformes | Freshwater streams of South Asia |
| Zebra shark | Stegostoma fasciatum | Orectolobiformes | Indo-Pacific coral reefs and lagoons |
| Zebra mussel | Dreissena polymorpha | Bivalvia | Freshwater lakes and rivers, Eurasia; invasive worldwide |
| Zebra dove | Geopelia striata | Columbiformes | Southeast Asia, introduced globally |
| Zebra finch | Taeniopygia guttata | Passeriformes | Australia and nearby islands |
| Zebra longwing | Heliconius charithonia | Lepidoptera | Tropical Americas, Caribbean |
| Zebra swallowtail | Eurytides marcellus | Lepidoptera | Eastern North America near pawpaw trees |
| Zebra spider | Salticus scenicus | Araneae | Buildings, gardens across Europe and North America |
| Zebra pleco | Hypancistrus zebra | Siluriformes | Rio Xingu, Brazil |
| Zebra moray | Gymnomuraena zebra | Anguilliformes | Indo-Pacific coral reefs |
| Zander | Sander lucioperca | Perciformes | Freshwater lakes and rivers across Europe, Asia |
| Zokor | Myospalax (genus) | Rodentia | Underground in East Asian grasslands and forests |
| Zorilla | Ictonyx striatus | Carnivora | Sub-Saharan African savannas and woodlands |
| Zenaida dove | Zenaida aurita | Columbiformes | Caribbean islands and nearby coasts |
| Zigzag heron | Zebrilus undulatus | Pelecaniformes | South American swamps and flooded forests |
| Zigzag eel | Mastacembelus armatus | Synbranchiformes | Rivers and pools in Southeast Asia |
| Zigzag salamander | Plethodon dorsalis | Caudata | Woodland leaf litter in eastern North America |
| Zebra-tailed lizard | Callisaurus draconoides | Squamata | Deserts and scrub of southwestern North America |
| Zambezi shark | Carcharhinus leucas | Carcharhiniformes | Tropical coastal waters, some rivers (e.g., Zambezi) |
Descriptions
Zebra
Striped equids famous for bold black-and-white coats; social grazers living in herds across sub-Saharan Africa.
Zebu
Humped domestic cattle adapted to hot climates, important for milk, meat and work in South Asia and beyond.
Zebrafish
Small, striped aquarium fish and model organism in research; hardy and popular among hobbyists.
Zebra shark
A slow-moving bottom shark with adult spots, juveniles striped; often seen resting on reef bottoms.
Zebra mussel
Small, striped bivalve notorious as an invasive species that clogs pipes and alters aquatic ecosystems.
Zebra dove
Slender, softly cooing dove with fine barring; common in gardens and urban areas.
Zebra finch
Popular small songbird with distinctive orange cheeks (males) and zebra-like throat stripes; frequent in captivity.
Zebra longwing
Slow-flying butterfly with black wings and yellow stripes; known for long lifespans and social roosting.
Zebra swallowtail
Striking black-and-white swallowtail; caterpillars feed on pawpaw leaves.
Zebra spider
A small jumping spider with bold white-and-black patterning, curious behavior and excellent vision.
Zebra pleco
Striking black-and-white striped freshwater catfish prized by aquarists; endemic and habitat-sensitive.
Zebra moray
Also called zebra eel; a banded moray eel that feeds on crustaceans in reef crevices.
Zander
A predatory fish similar to perch, valued in fisheries and cooking across Eurasia.
Zokor
Burrowing rodent group adapted to subterranean life; stout bodies and reduced eyesight.
Zorilla
Also called the striped polecat; a small, skunk-like mustelid that sprays musk when threatened.
Zenaida dove
A compact dove with soft cooing calls, common in island habitats and urban areas.
Zigzag heron
A small, elusive heron with streaked plumage and cryptic behavior in dense wetland vegetation.
Zigzag eel
Elongated freshwater “spiny eel” with zigzag markings, popular in aquariums for its curious appearance.
Zigzag salamander
A small terrestrial salamander named for its dorsal zigzag pattern; fully lungless, breathing through skin.
Zebra-tailed lizard
Fast, active lizard with a boldly banded tail used for signaling and predator distraction.
Zambezi shark
Also called the bull shark; powerful predator that tolerates fresh water and coastal habitats.
