15 Smallest Animals In The World

The smallest animals in the world are tiny. But more importantly to me, most of these little critters are very adorable. If you have a love of tiny things, you’ll love this list of the world’s smallest animals.

Key facts:

• Some of the smallest animals in the world include the Etruscan shrew, bee hummingbird, and fairyflies.
• The smallest shark in the world is a dwarf lantern shark.

Smallest Animals in the World: A Summary

Below is a quick breakdown of the smallest animals in the world. I’ve created this list using animal classifications, selecting the smallest animals within a particular category.

Smallest Animals in the World: A Closer Look

Want to take a deeper dive into the smallest animals in the world? Explore the creatures below:

Smallest Frog: Paedophryne amauensis

Scientifically known as Paedophryne amauensis, this extraordinary creature holds the title of the world’s smallest vertebrate. Measuring a mere 7.7 mm (0.30 inches) in length, this tiny frog was discovered in Papua New Guinea in 2009. Its minute size makes it a fascinating wonder of the animal kingdom.

The petite amphibian dwells in the leaf litter of tropical rainforests, specifically in the mountains of Papua New Guinea. It prefers the cool, moist microhabitats found amidst the dense vegetation and thrives in elevations ranging from 2,133 to 3,143 feet.

Smallest Rodent: African Pygmy Mouse or Baluchistan Pygmy Jerboa (Tie)

The African Pygmy Mouse (Mus minutoides) and the Balchustan Pygmy Jerboa (Salpingotulus michaelis) are tied for some of the smallest rodents in the world.

With a body length of only 5 to 8 centimeters (2 to 3 inches) and a weight of around 4 to 7 grams, the African Pygmy Mouse boasts a charming appearance with large, expressive eyes and delicate, rounded ears. Its soft fur varies in color, showcasing shades of brown, gray, and white, perfectly blending with the sandy and savannah-like habitats it calls home.

The Baluchistan Pygmy Jerboa is a diminutive creature that measures merely 4 to 5 centimeters (1.6 to 3 inches) in length, with a tail extending up to 8 centimeters (3.1 inches). Its charming appearance is characterized by large, expressive eyes and long hind legs, which it expertly uses for its distinctive leaping movement.

Notably, the Baluchistan Pygmy Jerboa has an incredible jumping ability, capable of propelling itself more than a meter (over 3 feet) in a single leap. This skill allows it to swiftly evade predators and navigate the harsh desert terrain with agility.

Smallest Shrew: Etruscan Shrew

The Etruscan Shrew (Suncus etruscus) holds the remarkable title of being the world’s smallest mammal by weight. This minuscule wonder weighs a mere 1.2 to 2.7 grams and measures about 3.5 to 5.2 centimeters (1.4 to 2 inches) in length, excluding its tail.

Despite its size, this tiny shrew possesses an incredible metabolism, requiring it to eat nearly its entire body weight in food daily to sustain its high energy levels. Its heart beats at an astounding rate of 1,500 beats per minute, and it can take up to 20 breaths per second, making it one of the fastest-breathing mammals on the planet.

Smallest Bat: Kitti’s Hog-Nosed Bat

Kitti’s Hog-Nosed Bat (Craseonycteris thonglongyai) takes the crown as the world’s smallest mammal based on both length and weight. Also known as the bumblebee bat, this tiny marvel measures a mere 1.1 to 1.3 inches (2.8 to 3.3 centimeters) in length and weighs only around 1.5 to 2 grams.

This tiny bat inhabits a specific and limited range in Southeast Asia, particularly in parts of Thailand and Myanmar. It prefers limestone caves and karst formations as roosting sites, often found in proximity to water sources, which provide the necessary humidity for its survival.

Smallest Fish: Paedocypris progenetica

Paedocypris progenetica, a fascinating species commonly referred to as the world’s smallest fish, is a true wonder of the freshwater world. Discovered in the swamps of Southeast Asia, this minuscule fish measures merely 7.9 to 10.3 millimeters (0.31 to 0.41 inches) in length. It’s petite size and unique features have earned it the distinction of being one of the tiniest vertebrates ever identified.

This tiny marvel inhabits the acidic, tea-colored waters of the peat swamps in Southeast Asia, particularly in Indonesia and Malaysia. These swampy ecosystems provide the ideal environment for Paedocypris progenetica to thrive, offering shelter and abundant microorganisms that constitute a significant part of its diet.

Smallest Snake: Barbados Threadsnake

The Barbados Threadsnake, scientifically known as Leptotyphlops carlae, claims the title of the world’s smallest snake, captivating the imagination with its minuscule size. Measuring merely 10.1 centimeters (4.0 inches) in length, this tiny serpent is a true testament to nature’s extraordinary diversity.

Its minute size and slender body facilitate burrowing, making it a master at navigating through the loose substrate in search of its preferred prey – tiny insect larvae and termites.

Smallest Bird: Bee Hummingbird

The bee hummingbird (Mellisuga helenae) is a delightful marvel that holds the distinction of being the world’s smallest bird. Native to Cuba and the Isla de la Juventud, this enchanting avian jewel measures merely 5 to 6 centimeters (2 to 2.4 inches) in length and weighs a mere 1.6 to 2 grams.

The bee hummingbird showcases striking physical features. Its iridescent plumage varies in color, reflecting vibrant shades of green and blue. This enchanting coloration is complemented by its distinctive long, needle-like bill, ideal for extracting nectar from the tiny, tubular flowers that constitute its primary diet.

Smallest Bird of Prey: Black-Legged Falconet

The Black-Legged Falconet (Microhierax fringillarius) is a captivating bird of prey that holds the distinction of being the world’s smallest raptors. Measuring a mere 14 to 16 centimeters (5.5 to 6.3 inches) in length, this diminutive predator packs a mighty punch in its tiny frame.

Its powerful beak, hooked and sharp like its larger raptor relatives, makes it a formidable hunter. Even at just a few inches long, the Black-Legged Falconet’s keen eyesight and swift flight enable it to chase down insects and small birds with remarkable precision.

Smallest Primate: Pygmy Mouse Lemur

The pygmy mouse lemur (Microcebus myoxinus) is a captivating creature that claims the title of the world’s smallest primate. Residing exclusively in the forests of Madagascar, this adorable mammal measures a mere 9 to 10 centimeters (3.5 to 4 inches) in length.

As a nocturnal creature, this tiny primate has evolved large, sensitive ears and keen night vision, aiding its remarkable agility and skill in navigating the forest canopy.

Intriguingly, female pygmy mouse lemurs have the ability to undergo “delayed implantation,” a process where they can suspend the development of their embryos until favorable conditions for birthing are present. This adaptation ensures the survival of their offspring and serves as a remarkable example of nature’s ingenuity in the world’s smallest animals.

Smallest Monkey: Finger Pygmy Marmoset

The finger pygmy marmoset (Cebuella pygmaea) stands out as the tiniest monkey in the world. Native to the lush rainforests of the Amazon basin, this enchanting primate measures an average of 12 centimeters (5 inches) in length, with a weight of merely 85 to 140 grams, making it a true testament to nature’s ingenuity.

These miniature monkeys live in close-knit family groups, displaying remarkable cooperative behavior in caring for their young and sharing food resources.

Smallest Tortoise: Speckled Cape Tortoise

The speckled cape tortoise (Homopus signatus) stands out as one of the world’s smallest tortoises, captivating all who encounter its miniature stature. Native to the arid regions of Southern Africa, this enchanting reptile measures a mere 8 to 10 centimeters (3 to 4 inches) in length, making it a true testament to nature’s remarkable diversity.

As you might have guessed, these small tortoises have intricate patterns on their shells. This extraordinary tortoise thrives in the semi-arid regions of Southern Africa, particularly in South Africa and Namibia. It is well-adapted to withstand harsh desert conditions, where it can go for extended periods without water. The speckled cape tortoise primarily feeds on tough, fibrous vegetation, foraging for succulents, grasses, and various desert plants.

Smallest Rabbit: Columbia Basin Pygmy Rabbit

The Columbia Basin Pygmy Rabbit, scientifically known as Brachylagus idahoensis, is the world’s smallest rabbit. Endemic to the shrub-steppe habitats of North America, this tiny rabbit measures a mere 23 to 29 centimeters (9 to 11.5 inches) in length, making it one of the smallest rabbit species on Earth.

This small rabbit resides exclusively in the Columbia Basin region of the western United States. It prefers the open, arid landscapes with an abundance of sagebrush and grasslands.

Smallest Insect: Fairyflies

Dicopomorpha echmepterygis, often referred to as the fairy wasp or fairyfly, is a mesmerizing insect that claims the title of the world’s smallest known animal. Belonging to the family Mymaridae, these extraordinary creatures measure an astonishing 0.14 to 0.20 millimeters (0.0055 to 0.0079 inches) in length, showcasing the intricacies of life on a truly microscopic scale.

Dicopomorpha echmepterygis can be found worldwide, inhabiting diverse environments ranging from forests and meadows to urban gardens

Smallest Spider: Patu dignua

Patu dignua, a fascinating species belonging to the spider family Symphytognathidae, ranks as the world’s smallest arachnid. This remarkable spider measures a tiny 0.37 millimeters (0.015 inches) in length.

Its translucent exoskeleton and minute size make it almost invisible to the naked eye. These elusive spiders are typically found in the leaf litter of tropical rainforests. They weave intricately designed webs, capturing and feeding on even tinier prey, such as mites.

Smallest Shark: Dwarf Lantern Shark

The dwarf lantern shark (Etmopterus perryi) holds the title of being the world’s smallest shark species. Measuring a mere 17 to 20 centimeters (6.7 to 7.9 inches) in length, this enigmatic creature inhabits the depths of the ocean, displaying a unique bioluminescent adaptation that sets it apart from its larger relatives.

This shark is found in the depths of the Caribbean Sea and off the coast of South America, where it thrives in the mesopelagic and bathypelagic zones, typically between 400 to 1,000 meters (1,300 to 3,300 feet) below the surface. Its preference for such deep waters has made it challenging for researchers to study, contributing to its elusive nature and limited knowledge about its behaviors and ecology.

Bonus! Smallest Whale in the World: Dwarf Sperm Whale

Whales usually don’t come in small packages. But the dwarf sperm whale, scientifically known as Kogia sima, is a captivating marine mammal that holds the distinction of being one of the smallest whale species on Earth. Measuring between 2.7 to 3.7 meters (8.9 to 12.1 feet) in length, this enigmatic creature resides in the vast ocean depths, often remaining hidden from human sight.

Smallest Animals in the World: Frequently Asked Questions

You have questions about the smallest animals in the world. I have answers.

What is the top 5 smallest animals in the world?

The top five smallest animals in the world include the speckled cape tortoise, the Kitti’s hog-nosed bat, Estruscan shrew, the pygmy marmoset, and the fairyfly.

What is the smallest mammal?

The smallest mammal is the Etruscan shrew (Suncus etruscus), also known as the white-toothed pygmy shrew. This tiny mammal measures around 3.5 to 5.2 centimeters (1.4 to 2.0 inches) in length. It weighs a mere 1.2 to 2.7 grams, making it one of the tiniest mammals in the world.

What is the smallest animal in the world, including insects?

The smallest animal in the world, including insects, is the fairyfly (Mymaridae). This microscopic marvel measures an astonishing 0.2 to 1.0 millimeters (0.008 to 0.04 inches) in length, showcasing nature’s incredible ability to create life on a minute scale.

Final Take on The Smallest Animals in the World

The smallest animals in the world are certainly a beautiful sight to behold. Which of the animals on this list is your favorite?