S for Animal: 30 Sensational Animals That Start With S

Hundreds of thousands of species coexist on this planet with us. And thousands of those animals have names that start with the letter ‘S.’

If you are looking for animals that start with S, you are in the right place. I’ve pulled together a lengthy list to showcase the ‘s for animal’ spirit.

S for animal: List of animals that start with the letter S

I’ve broken down my list of 234 animals that live in the rainforest into different types of animals. For example, you’ll find birds, mammals, and more broken into different categories.

Here’s a quick summary of how many of each type of animal you’ll find on my list:

Mammals: 47
Birds: 51
Reptiles: 51
Amphibians: 20
Fish: 60
Invertebrates: 44

That’s a grand total of 234 animals that live in the rainforest.

While this isn’t an exhaustive list, it’s a great place to get started.

Mammals: 47 Animals that start with S

Saiga Antelope (Saiga tatarica): A critically endangered antelope known for its distinctive, oversized nose, which helps filter dust and regulate temperature in the harsh Eurasian steppes.
Sable Antelope (Hippotragus niger): A large, striking African antelope with long, curved horns and a glossy black coat in males.
Siberian Tiger (Panthera tigris altaica): The largest cat species in the world, native to the Russian Far East, known for its thick fur and powerful build.
Striped Skunk (Mephitis mephitis): A North American mammal known for its black-and-white coloration and potent defensive spray.
Siberian Musk Deer (Moschus moschiferus): A small deer native to Asia, famous for its elongated canine teeth and musk-producing glands.
South American Tapir (Tapirus terrestris): A large, herbivorous mammal found in South American rainforests, with a distinctive flexible snout.
Scottish Wildcat (Felis silvestris grampia): A rare and elusive wild feline native to Scotland, often considered Britain’s last native cat species.
Serval (Leptailurus serval): A medium-sized African wild cat with long legs, large ears, and a spotted coat, adapted for hunting in grasslands.
Silky Anteater (Cyclopes didactylus): The smallest anteater species, native to South and Central America, known for its golden fur and nocturnal habits.
Sloth Bear (Melursus ursinus): A shaggy-haired bear native to the Indian subcontinent, specialized in feeding on termites and honey.
Spotted Hyena (Crocuta crocuta): A highly intelligent and social predator found in Africa, known for its powerful jaws and distinctive laugh-like calls.
South African Fur Seal (Arctocephalus pusillus): A large pinniped species found along the coasts of South Africa and Namibia, known for its agility in water.
Small Indian Civet (Viverricula indica): A nocturnal mammal found in South and Southeast Asia, recognizable by its elongated body and spotted coat.
Sun Bear (Helarctos malayanus): The smallest bear species, native to Southeast Asian rainforests, with a distinctive golden patch on its chest.
Short-Beaked Echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus): A spiny, egg-laying mammal from Australia and New Guinea, known for its long tongue used to eat ants and termites.
Sri Lankan Elephant (Elephas maximus maximus): A subspecies of the Asian elephant native to Sri Lanka, smaller than its African relatives.
Spectacled Bear (Tremarctos ornatus): The only bear species native to South America, known for the distinctive white markings around its eyes.
Sunda Pangolin (Manis javanica): A critically endangered, scaly mammal from Southeast Asia, famous for its ability to curl into a tight ball.
Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia): A rare big cat native to the mountain ranges of Central and South Asia, well adapted to cold climates.
Striped Polecat (Ictonyx striatus): A small carnivorous mammal found in Africa, known for its bold black-and-white markings and strong-smelling defensive spray.
South American Coati (Nasua nasua): A raccoon relative found in South America, known for its long, flexible snout and social behavior.
Sunda Clouded Leopard (Neofelis diardi): A secretive wild cat from Southeast Asia, notable for its large canines and cloud-like coat patterns.
Southern Flying Squirrel (Glaucomys volans): A nocturnal gliding rodent found in North America, capable of leaping great distances using its skin flaps.
Spanish Ibex (Capra pyrenaica): A wild goat native to Spain, famous for its impressive curved horns and agility in rocky terrain.
Southern Right Whale (Eubalaena australis): A large baleen whale found in the Southern Hemisphere, known for its lack of a dorsal fin and callosities on its head.
Striped Dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba): A fast-swimming dolphin species found in warm ocean waters, recognized by its sleek body and blue-white stripes.
Spotted Seal (Phoca largha): A medium-sized seal found in the North Pacific, distinguished by its spotted coat.
Sabine’s Spiny Mouse (Acomys sabrinus): A small rodent with a spiny coat, native to parts of Africa.
Steenbok (Raphicerus campestris): A small African antelope known for its solitary nature and excellent camouflage in grasslands.
Steller Sea Lion (Eumetopias jubatus): The largest species of sea lion, found in the North Pacific, known for its massive size and loud vocalizations.
Sunda Stink Badger (Mydaus javanensis): A skunk-like mammal found in Southeast Asia, capable of emitting a strong odor as a defense.
Sulawesi Babirusa (Babyrousa celebensis): A wild pig native to Indonesia, famous for its bizarre upward-curving tusks.
Savanna Elephant (Loxodonta africana): The largest land animal on Earth, found in Africa’s grasslands and known for its intelligence and complex social structure.
Short-Tailed Chinchilla (Chinchilla chinchilla): A highly endangered rodent from the Andes, valued for its incredibly dense and soft fur.
Sambar Deer (Rusa unicolor): A large deer species native to South and Southeast Asia, often preyed upon by tigers and leopards.
Sheath-Tailed Bat (Emballonuridae family): A small, fast-flying bat with a tail partially enclosed in a sheath-like membrane.
Sichuan Takin (Budorcas tibetana): A large, goat-antelope species from China, known for its thick, golden-colored coat.
Shrew-faced Squirrel (Rhinosciurus laticaudatus): A unique Southeast Asian rodent with an elongated snout, used for probing the soil for insects.
Scimitar-Horned Oryx (Oryx dammah): A desert-adapted antelope with long, curved horns, once extinct in the wild but now being reintroduced.
Siberian Weasel (Mustela sibirica): A small, elongated carnivore found across Asia, often hunted for its fur.
Serotine Bat (Eptesicus serotinus): A large insect-eating bat found across Europe and parts of Asia.
Swamp Wallaby (Wallabia bicolor): A small marsupial from Australia, known for its dark fur and preference for dense vegetation.
Sri Lankan Giant Squirrel (Ratufa macroura): A large tree-dwelling squirrel with a long, bushy tail, native to Sri Lanka.
Sunda Slow Loris (Nycticebus coucang): A nocturnal primate from Southeast Asia with large eyes and a toxic bite.
Short-Faced Bear (Arctodus simus, extinct): One of the largest bear species ever to live, roaming North America during the Ice Age.
Streaked Tenrec (Hemicentetes semispinosus): A small, insectivorous mammal from Madagascar, capable of producing sounds by rubbing its spines together.
Social Tuco-Tuco (Ctenomys sociabilis): A burrowing rodent from Argentina, known for its cooperative social structure.

Birds: 51 Animals that start with S

Snowy Egret (Egretta thula): A graceful white wading bird found in the Americas, known for its striking black legs, yellow feet, and elegant plumes.
Saker Falcon (Falco cherrug): A large falcon found in Europe and Asia, known for its powerful flight and hunting skills.
Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus): A large, white owl native to Arctic regions, famous for its striking plumage and silent flight.
Sandhill Crane (Antigone canadensis): A tall, migratory bird known for its elaborate courtship dances and loud, trumpeting calls.
Scissor-Tailed Flycatcher (Tyrannus forficatus): A striking bird from North America with an extremely long, forked tail.
Swan Goose (Anser cygnoides): A large, migratory waterfowl species native to East Asia, often domesticated as a farm goose.
Southern Cassowary (Casuarius casuarius): A large, flightless bird from Australia and Papua New Guinea, known for its bright blue skin and helmet-like casque.
Superb Lyrebird (Menura novaehollandiae): An Australian bird famous for its ability to mimic natural and artificial sounds.
Siberian Crane (Leucogeranus leucogeranus): A rare and endangered white crane species that migrates between Russia and China.
Sharp-Shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus): A small but fast bird of prey that hunts songbirds in forests.
Short-Eared Owl (Asio flammeus): A medium-sized owl found worldwide, known for its daytime hunting habits and striking yellow eyes.
Spotted Towhee (Pipilo maculatus): A colorful North American songbird with black, white, and rust-colored feathers.
Striated Heron (Butorides striata): A small heron found in tropical regions, known for its skill in fishing and use of bait.
Secretary Bird (Sagittarius serpentarius): A unique African raptor with long legs that hunts snakes by stomping on them.
Satin Bowerbird (Ptilonorhynchus violaceus): A fascinating bird from Australia known for its elaborate courtship displays and collection of blue objects.
Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao): A brilliantly colored parrot native to South America, known for its intelligence and loud calls.
Slaty-Backed Gull (Larus schistisagus): A large gull species from East Asia and the North Pacific, known for its dark gray back.
Spot-Billed Pelican (Pelecanus philippensis): A medium-sized pelican found in South Asia, often seen in freshwater wetlands.
Speckled Pigeon (Columba guinea): A widespread African pigeon with a distinctive spotted appearance.
Scarlet Tanager (Piranga olivacea): A striking red and black songbird found in North America.
South Island Kōkako (Callaeas cinereus, extinct): A rare bird from New Zealand, now possibly extinct, known for its haunting calls.
Sumatran Ground-Cuckoo (Carpococcyx viridis): A rare and elusive bird endemic to Sumatra’s forests.
Southern Boobook (Ninox boobook): A small owl native to Australia, also known as the “mopoke” due to its call.
Silver Gull (Chroicocephalus novaehollandiae): A common seabird found around Australia, often scavenging in urban areas.
Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo (Cacatua galerita): A highly intelligent and noisy parrot from Australia, recognized by its bright yellow crest.
Swallow-Tailed Kite (Elanoides forficatus): A graceful raptor from the Americas with a deeply forked tail.
Sociable Lapwing (Vanellus gregarius): A critically endangered wader bird that breeds in Central Asia.
Stilt Sandpiper (Calidris himantopus): A long-legged shorebird found in North and South America.
Snow Petrel (Pagodroma nivea): A pure white seabird that breeds on the Antarctic continent.
Southern Rockhopper Penguin (Eudyptes chrysocome): A small, crested penguin species known for its energetic hopping movement.
Scaled Quail (Callipepla squamata): A ground-dwelling quail from the southwestern United States with a scaly feather pattern.
Spotted Pardalote (Pardalotus punctatus): A tiny, brightly colored songbird native to Australia.
Streaked Shearwater (Calonectris leucomelas): A seabird found in the Pacific, known for its long-distance migrations.
Sand Martin (Riparia riparia): A small, brown swallow that nests in colonies along riverbanks.
Southern Ground Hornbill (Bucorvus leadbeateri): A large, black bird from Africa known for its deep booming calls.
Short-Tailed Albatross (Phoebastria albatrus): A large seabird from the North Pacific, once nearly extinct due to feather hunting.
Sarus Crane (Antigone antigone): The tallest flying bird, found in South Asia and Australia, often seen in wetlands.
Scaly-Breasted Munia (Lonchura punctulata): A small, social finch species found across Asia.
Santa Marta Parakeet (Pyrrhura viridicata): A critically endangered parrot endemic to Colombia’s Santa Marta Mountains.
Sword-Billed Hummingbird (Ensifera ensifera): A hummingbird with an extremely long bill, longer than its body, to feed on deep flowers.
Seram Kingfisher (Todiramphus lazuli): A rare kingfisher species found only on the island of Seram in Indonesia.
Sulawesi Serpent Eagle (Spilornis rufipectus): A bird of prey from Indonesia, known for its snake-hunting abilities.
Stock Dove (Columba oenas): A medium-sized pigeon native to Europe and Asia.
Seychelles Black Parrot (Coracopsis barklyi): A unique parrot species endemic to the Seychelles.
Southern White-Faced Owl (Ptilopsis granti): A small African owl with striking white facial markings.
Sooty Shearwater (Ardenna grisea): A long-distance migratory seabird that travels between the Pacific and Antarctic regions.
Stripe-Throated Bulbul (Pycnonotus finlaysoni): A songbird from Southeast Asia with a distinctively streaked throat.
Sunda Teal (Anas gibberifrons): A dabbling duck native to Southeast Asia and Indonesia.
Silver-Eared Mesia (Leiothrix argentauris): A vibrantly colored songbird from the forests of South and Southeast Asia.
San Blas Jay (Cyanocorax sanblasianus): A striking blue and black jay species found in Mexico.
South Georgia Pipit (Anthus antarcticus): The only songbird native to sub-Antarctic South Georgia Island.

Reptiles: 51 Animals that start with S

*Softshelled turtle basking in the sun.*

Softshelled Turtle (Trionychidae family): A group of freshwater turtles known for their soft, leathery shells and long, snorkel-like noses. They are highly aquatic and found in Asia, Africa, and North America.
Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus): The largest living reptile, found in Southeast Asia and Australia, capable of growing over 20 feet long.
Sand Lizard (Lacerta agilis): A small, agile lizard found in Europe and Asia, known for its vibrant green coloration during the breeding season.
Sidewinder (Crotalus cerastes): A desert-dwelling rattlesnake from North America, famous for its unique sideways locomotion.
Speckled Rattlesnake (Crotalus mitchellii): A venomous pit viper with a speckled pattern, found in the southwestern United States.
Spiny Softshell Turtle (Apalone spinifera): A freshwater turtle with a leathery, flattened shell and a long snorkel-like nose.
Satanic Leaf-Tailed Gecko (Uroplatus phantasticus): A bizarre-looking gecko from Madagascar that perfectly mimics dead leaves.
Sri Lankan Star Tortoise (Geochelone elegans): A strikingly patterned tortoise found in Sri Lanka and India.
Southern Alligator Lizard (Elgaria multicarinata): A large, long-bodied lizard from the western United States with a powerful bite.
Sungazer Lizard (Smaug giganteus): A heavily armored, burrowing lizard from South Africa that raises its head like a dragon.
Spotted Turtle (Clemmys guttata): A small, semi-aquatic turtle found in North America, recognized by its black shell covered in yellow spots.
Schneider’s Skink (Eumeces schneiderii): A robust, fast-moving skink from Europe and Asia.
Slender Glass Lizard (Ophisaurus attenuatus): A legless lizard from North America that resembles a snake but has eyelids and external ear openings.
Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake (Crotalus pyrrhus): A venomous rattlesnake with a beautifully speckled pattern for camouflage.
San Francisco Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis tetrataenia): A rare and vibrantly colored subspecies of garter snake native to California.
Smooth Green Snake (Opheodrys vernalis): A small, nonvenomous snake with a bright green body, perfect for blending into grass.
Spiny-Tailed Iguana (Ctenosaura sp.): A group of lizards known for their spiky tails, found in Central and South America.
Softshell Snake-Necked Turtle (Chelodina expansa): A unique freshwater turtle from Australia with an extremely long, flexible neck.
Six-Lined Racerunner (Aspidoscelis sexlineata): A fast-moving lizard found in the U.S., named for the six distinct stripes running down its back.
Sharp-Nosed Viper (Deinagkistrodon acutus): A venomous pit viper from East Asia, recognized for its distinctive triangular head.
South American Bushmaster (Lachesis muta): The largest pit viper in the world, known for its potent venom and rainforest habitat.
Sheltopusik (Pseudopus apodus): A legless lizard from Europe and Asia, often mistaken for a snake due to its long, slender body.
Short-Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma hernandesi): A North American lizard capable of squirting blood from its eyes as a defense mechanism.
Savannah Monitor (Varanus exanthematicus): A stout-bodied monitor lizard from Africa, often kept as an exotic pet.
Spiny-Tailed Monitor (Varanus acanthurus): A small, rugged monitor lizard known for its sharp, spiky tail.
Slender Blind Snake (Leptotyphlops dulcis): A tiny, worm-like snake that lives underground, feeding on ants and termites.
Striped Basilisk (Basiliscus vittatus): A lizard that can run on water using its powerful hind legs, earning it the nickname “Jesus Lizard.”
Spotted Python (Antaresia maculosa): A small, nonvenomous python from Australia with a spotted pattern for camouflage.
Southern Hognose Snake (Heterodon simus): A harmless snake that plays dead when threatened, found in the southeastern U.S.
Sri Lankan Pit Viper (Trimeresurus trigonocephalus): A beautifully colored, venomous tree viper native to Sri Lanka.
Santa Cruz Galápagos Tortoise (Chelonoidis porteri): A giant tortoise species endemic to the Galápagos Islands.
Small-Scaled Burrowing Asp (Atractaspis microlepidota): A highly venomous, burrowing snake from Africa.
Southwestern Black-Headed Snake (Tantilla hobartsmithi): A tiny, secretive snake found in deserts of the southwestern U.S.
Speckled Kingsnake (Lampropeltis holbrooki): A nonvenomous snake with yellow speckles on a black body, found in the U.S.
Shingleback Skink (Tiliqua rugosa): A slow-moving, blue-tongued skink from Australia with a heavily armored body.
Stimson’s Python (Antaresia stimsoni): A small python species from Australia, often kept as a pet.
Sierra Mountain Kingsnake (Lampropeltis zonata multicincta): A beautifully banded snake that mimics the venomous coral snake.
Southern Pacific Rattlesnake (Crotalus helleri): A highly venomous pit viper found in California and Baja California.
Slender Anole (Anolis limifrons): A small, agile lizard native to Central America.
Sinaloan Milk Snake (Lampropeltis triangulum sinaloae): A harmless, red-and-black-banded snake that mimics venomous coral snakes.
Spotted Night Snake (Hypsiglena torquata): A nocturnal, mildly venomous snake from the Americas.
South American Green Racer (Philodryas viridissimus): A fast-moving, mildly venomous snake from South America.
Striped Mud Turtle (Kinosternon baurii): A small freshwater turtle found in the southeastern U.S.
Sand Boa (Eryx sp.): A group of burrowing snakes adapted for living in sandy environments.
Scaly-Foot Legless Lizard (Pygopus lepidopodus): A legless lizard from Australia that looks like a snake but behaves like a gecko.
Southern Leopard Gecko (Eublepharis macularius fasciolatus): A subspecies of the popular pet gecko with distinctive leopard-like spots.
Spectacled Caiman (Caiman crocodilus): A small, widely distributed crocodilian from Central and South America.
Saharan Horned Viper (Cerastes cerastes): A venomous snake from North Africa, known for its horn-like scales above the eyes.
Striped Legless Lizard (Delma impar): A legless lizard from Australia that is often mistaken for a snake.
Southwestern Fence Lizard (Sceloporus cowlesi): A spiny lizard from the deserts of the southwestern U.S.
Sri Lankan Flying Snake (Chrysopelea taprobanica): A gliding snake capable of flattening its body and “flying” between trees.

Amphibians: 20 Animals that start with S

Southern Toad (Anaxyrus terrestris): A common toad found in the southeastern United States, known for its rough skin and large cranial crests.
Spotted Salamander (Ambystoma maculatum): A striking black-and-yellow spotted salamander found in North America.
Spring Peeper (Pseudacris crucifer): A small tree frog famous for its high-pitched calls that signal the arrival of spring in North America.
Surinam Toad (Pipa pipa): A bizarre, flat-bodied aquatic toad from South America that gives birth through pores in its back.
Siberian Salamander (Salamandrella keyserlingii): A highly resilient salamander from Russia that can survive being frozen in ice.
Southern Leopard Frog (Lithobates sphenocephalus): A spotted, greenish-brown frog found in the southeastern U.S., often near ponds and wetlands.
Sumatran Caecilian (Ichthyophis sumatranus): A limbless, burrowing amphibian from Sumatra that resembles a large earthworm.
Striped Newt (Notophthalmus perstriatus): A rare newt from the southeastern U.S. with orange stripes running down its back.
Sinaloan Narrow-Mouthed Toad (Gastrophryne mazatlanensis): A small, burrowing frog from Mexico that primarily feeds on ants and termites.
Shovel-Nosed Salamander (Desmognathus marmoratus): A stream-dwelling salamander from the Appalachian Mountains, named for its broad, flattened snout.
Smoky Jungle Frog (Leptodactylus pentadactylus): A large frog from Central and South America known for its loud, deep calls.
Spotted Chorus Frog (Pseudacris clarkii): A small, secretive frog with dark spots on its green or brown body, found in the U.S. and Mexico.
Sandhill Frog (Arenophryne rotunda): A burrowing frog from Western Australia with a round body and short limbs.
Sichuan Toad (Bufo tuberculatus): A lesser-known toad species native to China.
South American Common Toad (Rhinella margaritifera): A cryptic, well-camouflaged toad from the rainforests of South America.
Southern Red-Backed Salamander (Plethodon serratus): A small woodland salamander with a distinctive red stripe down its back.
Spanish Ribbed Newt (Pleurodeles waltl): A fascinating newt from Spain that can push its ribs through its skin as a defense mechanism.
Sri Lankan Golden-Backed Frog (Indosylvirana serendipi): A medium-sized frog native to Sri Lanka with a golden stripe along its back.
Savannah Reed Frog (Hyperolius viridiflavus): A colorful tree frog from Africa with striking yellow and green patterns.
Southern Marbled Newt (Triturus pygmaeus): A beautifully patterned newt from the Iberian Peninsula, closely related to the marbled newt.

Fish: 60 Animals that start with S

Sailfish (Istiophorus platypterus): One of the fastest fish in the ocean, known for its long bill and large sail-like dorsal fin.
Sockeye Salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka): A species of Pacific salmon known for its striking red color during spawning.
Sturgeon (Acipenseridae family): A prehistoric fish famous for producing caviar and growing to massive sizes.
Sawfish (Pristidae family): A ray-like fish with a long, saw-shaped snout used for hunting and defense.
Swordfish (Xiphias gladius): A large, predatory fish with a long, flat bill used to slash at prey.
Silver Arowana (Osteoglossum bicirrhosum): A freshwater fish from South America known for its ability to jump out of the water to catch prey.
Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis): A popular game fish found along the Atlantic coast of North America.
Scorpionfish (Scorpaenidae family): A venomous fish with spiny fins that blend into coral reefs.
Sculpin (Cottidae family): A bottom-dwelling fish with large, fan-like pectoral fins.
Skipjack Tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis): A fast-swimming, commercially important tuna species.
Siamese Fighting Fish (Betta splendens): A small, vibrantly colored freshwater fish known for its aggressive behavior.
Striped Marlin (Kajikia audax): A fast-moving billfish with distinctive blue and silver stripes.
Sand Tiger Shark (Carcharias taurus): A slow-moving, yet fearsome-looking shark that often swims with its mouth slightly open.
Spotted Gar (Lepisosteus oculatus): A long, armored fish with a spotted pattern found in North America.
Southern Stargazer (Astroscopus y-graecum): A fish that buries itself in sand and delivers electric shocks to prey.
Snook (Centropomus undecimalis): A prized game fish found in warm coastal waters.
Skate (Rajidae family): A flat-bodied, cartilaginous fish related to rays.
Saber-Tooth Blenny (Aspidontus taeniatus): A mimic fish that resembles cleaner fish but bites chunks off unsuspecting victims.
Shortnose Sturgeon (Acipenser brevirostrum): A smaller species of sturgeon found in North American rivers.
Silver Carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix): An invasive species known for its ability to leap out of the water when disturbed.
Sardinella (Sardinella genus): A group of small, schooling fish important in commercial fisheries.
Spiny Dogfish (Squalus acanthias): A small shark species with sharp spines in front of its dorsal fins.
Sunfish (Ocean Sunfish) (Mola mola): A massive, oddly shaped fish that drifts near the ocean’s surface.
Shovelnose Guitarfish (Rhinobatos productus): A ray-like fish with a body shape resembling a guitar.
Suckermouth Catfish (Hypostomus plecostomus): A freshwater fish known for its algae-eating abilities.
Spotfin Lionfish (Pterois antennata): A venomous, invasive fish with long, flowing spines.
Snakehead Fish (Channa genus): An aggressive, air-breathing freshwater predator.
Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieu): A popular freshwater game fish known for its fighting ability.
Sand Diver (Synodus intermedius): A camouflaged fish that buries itself in sand to ambush prey.
Silver Moony (Monodactylus argenteus): A disc-shaped, silvery fish often found in brackish waters.
Slender Snipe Eel (Nemichthys scolopaceus): A deep-sea eel with an extremely long, thin body.
Sarcastic Fringehead (Neoclinus blanchardi): A highly aggressive fish known for its enormous, gaping mouth.
Striped Raphael Catfish (Platydoras armatulus): A peaceful freshwater catfish with armor-like scales.
Shortfin Mako Shark (Isurus oxyrinchus): One of the fastest sharks in the ocean, known for its agility and speed.
Swamp Eel (Synbranchidae family): A snake-like fish that can breathe air and survive in low-oxygen environments.
Surge Wrasse (Thalassoma purpureum): A brightly colored reef fish with rapid swimming abilities.
Scrawled Filefish (Aluterus scriptus): A unique fish with a rough, leathery skin and cryptic markings.
Sapphire Damsel (Pomacentrus pavo): A small, brilliantly blue reef fish.
Sand Perch (Diplectrum formosum): A bottom-dwelling fish found in the western Atlantic Ocean.
Southern Flounder (Paralichthys lethostigma): A flatfish that camouflages itself on the ocean floor.
Squirrelfish (Holocentridae family): A nocturnal, red-colored reef fish with large eyes.
Spotted Cusk-Eel (Ophidion marginatum): A deep-sea fish that resembles an eel but is not closely related.
Slender Tuna (Allothunnus fallai): A lesser-known species of tuna found in deep waters.
Saddled Bichir (Polypterus endlicheri): A primitive fish with lung-like organs for breathing air.
Snapper (Lutjanidae family): A group of popular food fish with sharp teeth and strong swimming ability.
Sargassum Fish (Histrio histrio): A camouflaged fish that lives among floating seaweed in the open ocean.
Spotted Wolffish (Anarhichas minor): A large, bottom-dwelling fish with powerful teeth used to crush shellfish.
Scat Fish (Scatophagus argus): A brackish water fish with a unique, spotted body pattern.
Sea Robin (Triglidae family): A fish with wing-like pectoral fins and a croaking sound.
Striped Burrfish (Chilomycterus schoepfi): A small, spiny fish related to pufferfish.
Sailfin Pleco (Pterygoplichthys gibbiceps): A large, algae-eating freshwater fish with an impressive sail-like dorsal fin.
Striped Snakehead (Channa striata): A freshwater predator with an elongated body and the ability to breathe air.
Sabertooth Fish (Evermannella indica): A deep-sea fish with long, fang-like teeth.
Silver Drummer (Kyphosus sydneyanus): A herbivorous fish found in coastal waters around Australia and New Zealand.
Shortnose Sucker (Chasmistes brevirostris): A freshwater fish native to North America, often found in lakes and slow-moving rivers.
Spanish Mackerel (Scomberomorus maculatus): A fast-swimming, migratory fish prized by anglers for its speed and taste.
Snipefish (Macroramphosus scolopax): A small, deep-sea fish with an elongated, tubular snout.
Spot Croaker (Leiostomus xanthurus): A popular sport fish found along the U.S. Atlantic coast, known for the croaking sounds it makes.
Swallowtail Seaperch (Anthias anthias): A colorful reef fish with a forked tail, commonly found in the Mediterranean.
Sand Goby (Pomatoschistus minutus): A small, bottom-dwelling fish found in European coastal waters.

Invertebrates: 19 Animals that start with S

Swallowtail Butterfly (Papilionidae family): A large and striking butterfly known for its distinctive tail-like extensions on its hindwings, resembling a swallow’s tail. Swallowtail butterflies are found in a variety of habitats, including gardens, meadows, and forests.
Sponge (Porifera phylum): Simple, filter-feeding animals found in marine and freshwater environments. Sponges come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, and they filter water for food.
Scorpion (Scorpiones order): Predatory arachnids with a venomous sting located at the end of their tail, found primarily in deserts and tropical regions.
Starfish (Asteroidea class): Marine invertebrates known for their star-shaped body and ability to regenerate lost limbs. They are often found on rocky ocean floors.
Sea Cucumber (Holothuroidea class): Soft-bodied marine animals that resemble cucumbers and play a vital role in recycling nutrients on the ocean floor.
Squid (Cephalopoda class): Highly intelligent marine mollusks with elongated bodies and tentacles. They are capable of jet propulsion and are known for their ink-squirting defense mechanism.
Snail (Gastropoda class): Slow-moving mollusks that can be found in a variety of environments, from land to freshwater to the deep sea. Some have hard, spiral shells.
Sea Urchin (Echinoidea class): Marine invertebrates with spiny exoskeletons and round bodies. They are often found on rocky ocean floors and feed on algae.
Silkworm (Bombyx mori): A domesticated moth known for producing silk thread, which has been used by humans for centuries in textile production.
Stonefly (Plecoptera order): Freshwater insects with long, slender bodies and two pairs of wings. Stoneflies are sensitive to pollution and are used as bioindicators in freshwater ecosystems.
Spider (Araneae order): Predatory arachnids with eight legs, venomous fangs, and silk-producing glands. Spiders are found in nearly every terrestrial environment.
Sponge Crab (Lophophozoon genus): A small crab that lives inside a sponge for protection from predators, using the sponge as a form of camouflage.
Springtail (Collembola order): Tiny, soil-dwelling insects that can jump great distances using a specialized tail-like structure called a furcula.
Sea Anemone (Actiniaria order): Marine invertebrates that resemble flowers and have stinging cells for capturing prey, often found attached to rocks or coral reefs.
Sand Dollar (Clypeasteroida order): Flat, burrowing echinoderms found on sandy ocean floors. They have a distinctive, disk-shaped body and are closely related to sea urchins.
Shadfly (Chironomidae family): Insects that resemble mayflies, known for their short adult life and emergence in large swarms near water sources.
Scallop (Pectinidae family): Bivalve mollusks with fan-shaped, ridged shells. They can swim by rapidly opening and closing their shells and are highly valued in seafood cuisine.
Scutigera (Scutigera coleoptrata): Also known as the “house centipede,” this fast-moving arthropod has many long legs and preys on insects found in human dwellings.
Salp (Salpidae family): Transparent, barrel-shaped marine invertebrates that form colonies and are capable of filtering plankton from the water.
Sponge Shrimp (Synalpheus species): Small shrimp that live in sponges, often known for their symbiotic relationship with the sponge and their ability to “snap” their claws for defense.

A closer look at some animals that start with S

If you want more information about animals that start with S, the details below on highlighted critters might help. Here’s a closer look at some of the animals that start with the letter S.

1. Snow Leopard

Snow leopards (Panthera uncia) are highly elusive and majestic big cats native to the mountainous regions of Central and South Asia. With their distinctive pale gray fur patterned with black rosettes and spots, they are often referred to as the “ghosts of the mountains.” Snow leopards possess long, thick fur, which acts as insulation against the extreme cold temperatures of their high-altitude habitats.

Unfortunately, snow leopards are classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The World Wildlife Fund estimates that there are only 4,000 to 6,500 individuals left in the wild due to various threats. The main factors contributing to their decline include poaching for their fur and body parts, habitat loss, and retaliatory killings by local communities due to livestock predation.

2. Sloth

Sloths are best known for moving in slow motion. A slow metabolism and low-energy diet contribute to their leisurely pace, allowing them to conserve energy and spend most of their lives hanging upside down from tree branches.

Sloths predominantly inhabit the lush rainforests of Central and South America, where they thrive in the canopies of tall trees. They are specially adapted to an arboreal lifestyle, with long, strong limbs and specialized claws that enable them to navigate their treetop homes with ease.

3. Serval

Servals (Leptailurus serval) are medium-sized wild cats native to the grasslands and wetlands of Africa. With a striking appearance, servals are instantly recognizable. The cats typically have yellow fur with black spots and stripes, providing excellent camouflage in their grassland habitat. Servals are known for their exceptional jumping ability, and can jump more than 9 feet in the air!

Servals primarily inhabit the savannas, marshes, and grasslands of sub-Saharan Africa. They have a preference for areas with dense vegetation near water sources.

4. Skunk

You’ll usually smell a skunk before you see a skunk. If you are unlucky enough to surprise a skunk, you might be on the receiving end of a nasty surprise. Personally, I’ve never been on the receiving end and I hope I never am.

Skunks are adaptable creatures found in a variety of habitats across North and South America, from forests to grasslands, and even suburban areas.

5. Sea Turtle

Sea turtles are magnificent marine reptiles that have been roaming the oceans for millions of years. They are well-adapted for life in the water, with powerful flippers that allow them to swim gracefully through the ocean currents.

Sea turtles are found in oceans around the world, occupying a range of habitats from tropical to temperate waters. They are known to undertake long migrations, returning to the same nesting beaches where they were born to lay their eggs.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists several sea turtle species as endangered or critically endangered. Threats to sea turtles include habitat destruction, pollution, entanglement in fishing gear, and poaching.

6. Shark

Sharks are magnificent apex predators that have dominated the world’s oceans for millions of years. Their bodies are specially designed for aquatic life, featuring streamlined forms, powerful tails, and a cartilaginous skeleton that allows for flexibility and swift movement in the water.

A shark sighting might strike fear into your heart. But unlike Jaws suggested, a shark attack is rather unlikely. In 2022, the International Shark Attack File reported only 57 unprovoked attacks. When you consider that millions, or even billions, of people, take a dip in the ocean each year, it’s clear that the odds of an attack are slim.

7. Sea Lion

Sea lions are charismatic marine mammals known for their playful nature and distinctive physical characteristics. These highly social creatures possess sleek bodies with powerful flippers and a thick layer of blubber to help regulate body temperature in cold waters.

Sea lions are primarily found along the coastlines of the Pacific Ocean, from subarctic regions to the tropics. They have a preference for rocky shores, sandy beaches, and offshore islands where they can haul out and rest.

8. Starfish

Starfish, also known as sea stars, are captivating marine invertebrates that showcase a stunning diversity of colors, shapes, and patterns. These unique sea creatures can be found in various marine habitats worldwide, from rocky intertidal zones to the deep ocean floor.

9. Seahorse

Seahorses are enchanting and unique marine creatures that captivate with their intriguing appearance and behavior. These small fish are instantly recognizable by their horse-like heads, elongated snouts, and curled tails, which they use to anchor themselves to seagrasses and coral reefs.

Seahorses exhibit remarkable camouflage abilities. I’ve spotted more than a few anchored in plain sight. It usually takes some luck to make a sighting, especially if you are swimming through a dense seagrass bed.

Some seahorse species are listed as vulnerable or endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The seahorse trade for traditional medicine, curios, and the aquarium industry further adds to their conservation challenges.

10. Scarlet Macaw

The scarlet macaw (Ara macao) is a stunning and charismatic parrot that certainly knows how to make an entrance. This large bird showcases a brilliant combination of red, blue, yellow, and green feathers, with a striking scarlet hue dominating its body. Its long tail feathers, vibrant wings, and strong beak make it an unmistakable sight.

Scarlet macaws are primarily found in the tropical rainforests of Central and South America, particularly in the Amazon Basin and the forests of Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala. They have a preference for mature forests and areas with abundant fruit-bearing trees, which serve as a crucial food source.

11. Snowy Owl

The snowy owl (Bubo scandiacus) is a majestic bird of prey that inhabits the Arctic regions of North America and Eurasia. The bird’s white plumage provides excellent camouflage against snowy landscapes.

Snowy owls boast a wingspan of up to 1.5 meters (5 feet), which allows them to glide effortlessly across their vast territories in search of prey.

12. Salamander

Salamanders, a diverse group of amphibians, can be found in a wide range of habitats worldwide, from moist forests and swamps to mountain streams and underground caves. Some species are strictly aquatic, spending their entire lives in ponds and lakes, while others prefer terrestrial habitats, such as leaf litter and burrows.

Notably, salamanders exhibit a remarkable ability to regenerate lost body parts, including limbs and even portions of their organs.

13. Skink

When I first saw a skink, I mistook it for a salamander. But unlike salamanders, which are amphibians, skinks are a type of lizard.

These sleek reptiles typically have elongated bodies, smooth scales, and well-developed limbs, enabling them to move swiftly across various terrains. Skinks are known for their ability to shed and regrow their tails as a defense mechanism, allowing them to escape from predators.

14. Swordfish

S is for animal… I mean swordfish!

Swordfish impress with their streamlined shape and powerful tails. When you witness a swordfish, it becomes clear that these creatures possess a built-for-speed and agility design, enabling them to swim swiftly through the water. Swordfish have earned a reputation for their exceptional hunting abilities, as they utilize their sharp bills to slash through schools of fish with remarkable precision.

15. Sperm Whale

Sperm whales, reaching up to 65 feet, hold the title for the largest toothed whales. Not only do they possess a massive body, but they also boast the largest brains among all known animals.

They skillfully dive deep into the ocean’s depths in search of their primary food source—giant squid and other deep-sea cephalopods. These expert divers can descend to astonishing depths, reaching over 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) as they actively hunt for prey.

16. Spider Monkey

Spider monkeys, agile primates inhabiting lush rainforests, possess distinctive physical traits and display specific preferences for their habitats. These remarkable creatures have long, slender limbs and prehensile tails, which act as an additional limb to aid in locomotion and grasping branches. With their slender bodies and graceful movements, spider monkeys navigate the rainforest canopy with remarkable dexterity.

17. Sandhill Crane

S is for animal… I mean sandhill crane!

Sandhill cranes, elegant birds that frequent wetland habitats, stand up to four feet tall. The beautiful birds have an elaborate courtship ritual, which includes a mating dance worthy of a Tudor-era ball.

I’ve been lucky enough to spot these beautiful birds in Florida, with a chick in tow.

18. Spoonbill

Spoonbills, elegant birds with pink feathers and distinct spoon-shaped bills, thrive in a range of wetland habitats. These avian marvels gracefully sweep their bills from side to side, capturing small aquatic organisms as they forage in shallow waters. With their adept flying and wading skills, spoonbills effortlessly navigate marshes, swamps, and coastal lagoons, seeking out muddy or sandy areas rich in fish, crustaceans, and insects.

19. Sun Bear

Sun bears, agile forest dwellers with a distinctive golden chest mark, exhibit remarkable physical characteristics and display specific habitat preferences. These compact bears, with short, sleek black fur, possess strong limbs and sharp claws, allowing them to climb trees with ease in search of food.

Found primarily in the tropical forests of Southeast Asia, they thrive in a range of habitats, including lowland rainforests, swamps, and mangrove forests.

20. Sandpiper

Sandpipers, with their sleek feathers and streamlined bodies, navigate coastal environments effectively. They effortlessly transition between land and water, traversing sandy beaches, mudflats, and rocky shores in search of food. Their long, slender beaks perfectly adapt to probe the sand or mud and extract small invertebrates like worms, mollusks, and crustaceans.

A sandpiper is one of my favorite types of birds to spot on the beach. But these birds are found all over the world, not just in Florida!

21. Scallop

S is for animal… I mean scallop!

Scallops, a bivalve mollusk, are marine creatures with a circular or fan-shaped shell. They inhabit a variety of marine environments, including shallow coastal waters, seagrass beds, and coral reefs. By actively filter-feeding on plankton and other microscopic organisms, scallops contribute to the ecological balance of their habitats.

My favorite type of scallop to spot in the wild is the bay scallop (Argopecten irradians). Bay scallops have dozens of electric blue eyes, which stare back at you as you swim above them in the seagrass.

22. Sawfish

Sawfish are best known for their rostrum, which is a flattened snout with sharp projections running along both sides. And those rostra can be very long. In fact, sawfish have rostrums up to 8 feet long!

However, due to overfishing, habitat degradation, and incidental capture in fishing gear, sawfish populations have plummeted, pushing them towards the brink of extinction.

23. Snowshoe Hare

Snowshoe hares have large hind feet and a dense fur coat that changes color with the seasons. During the winter, their fur turns pure white, providing excellent camouflage against the snowy landscape, while in the summer, it transitions to a mottled brown or gray to match the forest floor.

These hares primarily feed on a diet of twigs, buds, and bark, which they obtain from shrubs and small trees. By actively selecting habitats with suitable cover and abundant food resources, snowshoe hares are able to thrive in the challenging northern forest ecosystems they call home.

24. Sea Urchin

Sea urchins have round bodies covered with sharp spines designed to protect themselves from predators. These intriguing creatures come in a variety of sizes and colors, ranging from purple and red to green and black, depending on the species.

You can often find sea urchins in rocky areas, coral reefs, and seagrass beds, where they graze on algae and other small organisms.

25. Springbok

Springboks, graceful antelopes with remarkable physical abilities, thrive in the expansive grasslands and savannas of Africa. They primarily feed on a diet of grass and other vegetation, utilizing their browsing and grazing skills to obtain nourishment from various plant sources.

Since springboks live in an arid climate, the species has some interesting adaptations.

26. Squirrel

Squirrels, members of the Sciuridae family, are charismatic and nimble rodents known for their bushy tails and acrobatic antics. These small to medium-sized mammals are found worldwide, inhabiting a variety of environments, from urban parks to dense forests. With their keen sense of agility and adaptability, squirrels have become a familiar sight in both rural and urban landscapes

Personally, I love spotting these little guys around my bird feeder!

Frequently Asked Questions

You have questions about s for animal. We have answers!

Q: How many animals that start with the letter S are there?

There are numerous animals that start with the letter S. While our list highlights 30 animals, there are many more species that can be included

Q: Can I keep these animals as pets?

Keeping some of these animals as pets may be illegal or unethical. Many of them require specific environmental conditions, specialized care, and may pose risks to human safety. It is crucial to research the legal and ethical considerations before considering any wild animal as a pet.

Are all the animals on the list mammals?

No, the list includes a diverse range of animal types. While some animals, such as the snow leopard, sloth, and sea lion, are mammals, there are also reptiles (e.g., sea turtles, skinks), birds (e.g., scarlet macaw, snowy owl), fish (e.g., swordfish, sablefish), and invertebrates (e.g., starfish, scallop) on the list.

Summary

When you say ‘s for animal,’ I hope you’ll think of this list. Of course, this post doesn’t cover every animal that starts with S under the sun. But I hope this list was helpful!

Want to learn more about animals from A to Z, check out our guide.