Everyone knows about tigers a ‘T’, but did you know there are also tiger beetles, tiger sharks, and tiger snakes? Well, that’s not all. There are tons of unique and amazing animals whose names start with the letter T. Come on, let’s check them out!
Animals that Start with T
1. Taipan
Taipans originated from the Thaypan tribe of Aboriginal people of central Cape York Peninsula, Queensland, Australia. The taipan is a member of the elapid family, specifically the genus Oxyuranus. They can be found from Australia to the southernmost point of New Guinea. They vary in color from beige to grey or light brown to dark brown.
Fun Fact: The Taipan is the world’s most poisonous snake.
2. Takin
Takin, or Budorcastaxicolor, has appeared in religious texts and mythologies throughout history. The takins live in the eastern Himalayas and go by a few different names, such as gnu goat and cattle chamois. This huge, strong, hoofed mammal shares characteristics with goats and antelope, leading to the moniker “goat antelope.”
Fun Fact: Takin can make a long jump of about 6 feet.
3. Tang
Tang, or Acanthuridae, are typically found in the Pacific Ocean between 2 to 46 meters. They are often seen in huge groups and provide a lively spectacle in home aquariums. These vividly colored fish have one dorsal fin that covers their entire back and a longer anal fin that extends along their stomach. The sharp spines on either side of the tail serve as a defense mechanism against predators and are the most distinguishing feature.
Fun Fact: When threatened, tangs can lie still and act dead.
4. Tapir
Tapir, or Tapirus, is usually found in forest regions of South and Central America. These unusual creatures are more closely related to rhinos and horses than they are to hippos, pigs, or anteaters. The prehensile nose of a tapir is its most distinctive physical trait. Tapir can use their wiggle-able snout to snag a few leaves when foraging.
Fun Fact: A tapir community is often referred to as a “candle.”
5. Tarantula Hawk
Tarantula Hawk produces one of the world’s most excruciating stings since its stinger can expand to a length of 7 mm. These solitary insects, which can reach 11 cm, are found in the southern US, Central America, and South America. Their typically dark blue or black bodies contrast with their brown wings.
Fun Fact: When the female Tarantula Hawk is ready to lay eggs, she paralyzes a spider and deposits the eggs on its back.
6. Tarpon
Tarpon, or Megalops, can be found in the western Atlantic Ocean, from Virginia to middle Brazil, in the eastern Atlantic Ocean, from the coast of Africa to the Gulf of Mexico, and throughout the Caribbean Sea. The tarpon is one of Florida’s most sought-after game fish due to its size, strength, and fighting prowess. Tarpons have between 37 and 42 massive scales running along their sides. Their dorsal sides are a dark bluish-grey, while their sides are brilliant silver.
Fun Fact: The swim bladder of a tarpon may be inflated with air, allowing the fish to survive in low-oxygen environments.
7. Tarsier
Tarsier are roughly 13 species of little jumping monkeys that are endemic to specific islands in Southeast Asia. Their fur is long and soft and ranges from grey to dark brown. The tarsier is distinct in appearance due to its short body, round, 180° rotatable head, and unusually long ankle bones or tarsals. They are short in stature with huge, movable membranous ears.
Fun Fact: Each eye is heavier than the entire brain.
8. Tasmanian Devil
Tasmanian Devil is an extremely rare mammal that can only be found on the Australian island of Tasmania. Like kangaroos and koalas, it belongs to the marsupial family. These creatures resemble young bears due to their stocky build and coarse brown or black fur. Their pig-like, ponderous movement results from their large front legs and short hind legs.
Fun Fact: When devouring the prey, Tasmanian devils may expand their jaws to an angle of 80 degrees.
9. Tasmanian Tiger
Tasmanian Tiger were found all over North Australia, New Guinea, and South Tasmania. It is widely assumed that this big, carnivorous mammal has become extinct. Tasmanian tigers resembled short-haired dogs in appearance; they had big, blocky head and a tail that was both long and stiff. Their 46 sharp teeth and massive, muscular jaws helped them devour their food.
Fun Fact: The jaws of the Tasmanian tiger could open to about 90 degrees.
10. Tawny Owl
Tawny Owl, or Strixaluco, has seven recognized subspecies and is frequently seen in woods from western Siberia to Europe. A tawny owl’s rounded head, huge dark eyes, and hooked beak are all characteristics of other owls. Their feathers and rounded wings contribute to their compact, strong body. The upper parts of these brown owls are brown or grey, while their undersides are pale with dark stripes.
Fun Fact: These owls are the most common in the United Kingdom.
11. Tawny Frogmouth
Tawny Frogmouth originated from mainland Australia. These birds can weigh up to 1.5 pounds and range in height from 8.5 inches to 21 inches. Their plumage, a drab brownish grey with mottled black streaks and dots, blends in perfectly with tree bark, serving as excellent concealment.
Fun Fact: The tawny frogmouth is a camouflage expert that can remain unseen even in broad daylight.
12. Teacup Maltese
Teacup Maltese are believed to come from Malta, and the Phoenicians brought it to Europe before the rise of Greece in the fifth century B.C. The average Teacup Maltese weighs about four to five pounds and is no more than eight inches tall. They originate from the mating of two miniature Maltese breeds.
Fun Fact: The ancient Greeks were known to construct graves for their Maltese friends.
13. Telescope Fish
Telescope Fish, or Gigantura, is a deep-sea fish that can be found in the oceans of the Indian, Atlantic, and Pacific. The telescope fish is a member of Giganturidae, of the genus Gigantura. The telescope fish is an eye-catching, multi-colored fish found in tropical and subtropical waters of the world’s deep seas. The telescope fish’s eyes are tubular and project from the skull like binoculars.
Fun Fact: The telescope fish consumes whole prey that is larger than itself.
14. Tentacled Snake
Tentacled Snakes, or Erpetontentaculatum, are usually found in the coastal regions of Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia. It has a very smooth head and body, and its coloration ranges from light brown with dark stripes to dark grey with light-brown mottling. These tiny snakes eat fish, frogs, and soft-shelled crabs and only leave the water to dig burrows in the sand when the water dries up.
Fun Fact: Their tentacles are equipped with nerves connecting to the brain’s visual cortex.
15. Texas Indigo Snake
Texas Indigo Snake, or Drymarchonmelanuruserebennus, originated in Texas but is widely found in Northern Mexico. Long and slender, the Texas indigo snake’s base color is iridescent black scales with brown speckles. The Texas indigo gets its name from the way its backside can range in color from blue to black. The snake is a diurnal predator that hunts throughout the day.
Fun Fact: Texas indigo snakes have a notorious reputation for hunting and devouring rattlesnakes.
16. Texas Spiny Lizard
This little lizard favors lowland environments with dense ground leaf cover and mesquite trees. The lizard’s dorsal scales are spiky, and its back is covered in beautiful patterns in shades of grey, tan, and brown. Their primary diet consists of grasshoppers, blister beetles, June beetles, pill bugs, spiders, and mites.
Fun Fact: Male spiny lizards compete by performing a series of pushups.
17. Thornback Ray
Thornback Ray is usually found in the Atlantic coastal waters of Europe and western Africa. This cartilaginous fish prefers to live on the ocean floor in deeper water or near shore. Thornback rays, also known as thornback skates, have large pectoral fins that resemble wings, and its body is elongated.
Fun Fact: The Thornback Ray is also called shovelnose shark, pinback ray, prickleback shark, banjo shark, and thornback guitarfish.
18. Thorny Devil
Thorny Devil is found in West Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia’s lush tropical jungles. The thorny devil, also known as the thorny dragon, the moloch, and the mountain devil, is covered in sharp thorns, giving it the appearance of a little dragon. It is primarily a daytime creature and can alter its appearance to blend in with its surroundings by changing hues.
Fun Fact: Although it may look dangerous, the Thorny Devil is harmless, as its sole food source is ants.
19. Tibetan Fox
Tibetan Fox is a true fox species found only at very high altitudes. It is native to the high Tibetan Region, the Ladakh plateau, Nepal, China, Sikkim, and Bhutan. The Tibetan fox is a small, compact animal with a dense, silky coat, a pointed nose, and a bushy tail. The tops of its head, neck, and lower legs are tan to rufous, while the lower halves of its legs and rumps are grey. Additionally, the ends of its tail are white.
Fun Fact: Since they are not territorial, Tibetan foxes have been observed hunting for prey alongside bears.
20. Tiger
Tiger, or Panthera tigris, originated from Northwestern China. Tigers, the largest cat species, are formidable predators due to their size, strength, and power. These animals are excellent swimmers and truly like being in the water. When hunting at night, these animals’ stunning orange and black striped coats serve as camouflage, allowing them to reach speeds of up to 65 kilometers per hour.
Fun Fact: Every tiger’s stripes are completely unique.
21. Tiger Beetle
Tiger Beetle is commonly found on sandy beaches, dunes, clay banks, and forest pathways near water. The tiger beetle is characterized by its huge, protruding eyes, long, slender legs, and large, curved mandibles. The tiger beetle is a varied family of insects that spend most of its life as a larva underground, hiding from predators. After maturing, they emerge from their underground homes to go on forays and start families.
Fun Fact: Adult tiger beetles are among the world’s fastest land insects.
22. Tiger Shark
Tiger Sharks, or Galeocerdo cuvier, are generally found in the Gulf of Mexico, North American beaches, and South America. These sharks are recognized for having vertical, dark stripes on its back. Tiger sharks are also commonly referred to as leopard sharks, man-eating sharks, and spotted sharks. It features a long labial furrow, a large, flat head with a snout shorter than the breadth of the mouth, and a slender body.
Fun Fact: It is the world’s fourth-largest shark species.
23. Tiger Snake
Tiger Snake can be found in southern Australia and nearby islands in dry, rocky settings and moist places. This poisonous tiger snake is 3.9 feet long overall. Tiger snakes are sturdy, thick-bodied snakes that can reach lengths up to 1.5 meters. The main body of a tiger snake can be either grey-brown or black.
Fun Fact: Tiger snakes can stay underwater for nine minutes without needing to surface for air.
24. Titan Beetle
Titan Beetle is found in the Amazon rainforest. The Titan Beetle, measuring over 6 inches in length, is the largest beetle on Earth. It features a black head, black legs, black antennae, black thorax, and pale wings with brown vein structures. They use their formidable jaws and spines to protect themselves from potential threats.
Fun Fact: Their jaws are mighty, capable of breaking pencils in two and cutting through human skin.
25. Toadfish
Toadfish are commonly found in warm seas. The enormous, stocky toadfish has a broad, flattened head, a big mouth, and sharp teeth. They can grow to a maximum size of 40 cm. Most may be heard outside of water making sounds like croaking or grunting. Toadfish are carnivores who will bite when threatened.
Fun Fact: Cooking neutralizes the toxins in toadfish, making them safe to consume.
26. Tree Kangaroo
Tree Kangaroo is found in the rainforests of Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, and the extreme north of Australia’s Queensland state. They resemble a kangaroo-lemur hybrid due to their shorter legs and stronger forelimbs for treetop living. Their feet are larger than ground kangaroos, and they have thick padding on the bottoms of their feet to help them grip, as well as sharp, curved claws for climbing.
Fun Fact: Unlike every other type of macropod, this one prefers to make its home in the treetops.
Here’s a full list of Animals that start with T
- Taco Terrier
- Tailless Whip Scorpion
- Taimen Fish
- Taipan
- Takin
- Tamarin
- Tamaskan
- Tang
- Tangerine Leopard Gecko
- Tapanuli Orangutan
- Tapir
- Tarantula Hawk
- Tarbosaurus
- Tarpon
- Tarsier
- Tasmanian Devil
- Tasmanian Tiger
- Tasmanian Tiger Snake
- Tawny Frogmouth
- Tawny Mining Bee
- Tawny Owl
- Teacup Chihuahua
- Teacup Maltese
- Teacup Miniature Horse
- Teacup Poodle
- Teddy Bear Hamster
- Teddy Guinea Pig
- Teddy Roosevelt Terrier
- Telescope Fish
- Ten-Lined June Beetle
- Tennessee Walking Horse
- Tenrec
- Tent Caterpillar
- Tentacled Snake
- Tenterfield Terrier
- Termite
- Terrier
- Terror Bird
- Tetra
- Texas Blind Snake
- Texas Brown Tarantula
- Texas Coral Snake
- Texas Garter Snake
- Texas Heeler
- Texas Indigo Snake
- Texas Night Snake
- Texas Rat Snake
- Texas Spiny Lizard
- Thai Ridgeback
- Thalassomedon
- Thanatosdrakon
- Therizinosaurus
- Theropod
- Thornback Ray
- Thorny Devil
- Thresher Shark
- Thrush
- Thylacoleo
- Thylacoleo carnifex
- Thylacosmilus
- Tibetan Fox
- Tibetan Mastiff
- Tibetan Spaniel
- Tibetan Terrier
- Tick
- Tiffany
- Tiger
- Tiger Beetle
- Tiger Moth
- Tiger Muskellunge (Muskie)
- Tiger Rattlesnake
- Tiger Salamander
- Tiger Shark
- Tiger snake
- Tiger Swallowtail
- Tiger Swallowtail Caterpillar
- Tiger Trout
- Tiktaalik
- Timber Rattlesnake (Canebrake Rattlesnake)
- Timor python
- Tire Track Eel
- Titan Beetle
- Titanoboa
- Titanosaur
- Toadfish
- Tomato Hornworm
- Torkie
- Tornjak
- Tortoise
- Tosa
- Toucan
- Towhee
- Toxodon
- Toy Fox Terrier
- Toy Poodle
- Transylvanian Hound
- Trapdoor spider
- Tree Cricket
- Tree Frog
- Tree Kangaroo
- Tree Snake
- Tree swallow
- Tree Viper (Bamboo Viper)
- Treecreeper
- Treehopper
- Treeing Tennessee Brindle
- Treeing Walker Coonhound
- Triggerfish
- Troodon
- Tropicbird
- Trout
- Tsetse Fly
- Tuatara
- Tufted Coquette
- Tufted Titmouse
- Tully Monster
- Tuna
- Turaco
- Turkey
- Turkey Vulture
- Turkish Angora
- Turnspit
- Turtle Frog
- Turtles
- Tusoteuthis
- Tussock Moth
- Tussock Moth Caterpillar
- Twig Snake
- Tylosaurus
- Tyrannosaurus Rex
Wrapping Up
Did you ever think that there were so many animals that start with the letter T? Next time you’re stuck thinking about an animal name starting with T, take a look at this list.
Go on and find more interesting and unique animals with other letters
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