Are you curious about animals that start with the letter G? Their vast diversity and unique characteristics contribute to our ecosystem. You will find uncountable numbers of animals that start with different alphabets, especially those that start with the G. These animals are different from each other in different aspects.
Here, you will gain an in-depth knowledge of the animal kingdom, the unique characteristics, habitats, and fun facts about each species.
List of Animals That Start with G by Classes
These are the list of animals that start with G which are categorized as Mammals, Birds, Reptiles, Amphibians, Fishes, and Invertebrates.
Mammals That Start with Letter G
Birds That Start with Letter G
Reptiles That Start with Letter G
Amphibians That Start with Letter G
Fish that Start with G
Insects and Invertebrates Beginning with G
List of Animals That Start With G: Classification, Behavior, and Facts
There are a lot of animals that start with the letter G. Let’s take a look at some of them and learn about them:
1. Guinea Pig
Scientific name: Cavia porcellus
Type of animal: Mammal
Phylum: Chordata
Habitat: Native to Andes Mountains in South America.
Average lifespan: 5-7 years
Diet: Guinea Pigs are herbivorous. They live on various vegetables, hay, and fruits.
Fun Fact: Guinea pigs are highly social animals and thrive in the company of other guinea pigs or their human companions.
Despite their name, Guinea pigs are not pigs but belong to the rodent family. In fact, we have been keeping them as pets for centuries. They are cherished for their adorable appearance and gentle nature. These social animals communicate through a variety of vocalizations and have unique personalities. Guinea pigs are also known as cavies.
2. Goldfish
Scientific name: Carassius auratus
Type of animal: Fish
Phylum: Chordata
Habitat: Freshwater ponds, lakes, and aquariums
Average lifespan: 10-15 years
Diet: They eat both plants and small aquatic organisms.
Fun Fact: Goldfish can remember things for up to 3 months. They can recognize their owners and can be trained to do tricks.
Goldfish are a common fish kept in aquariums. They are well known for the vivid colors they possess, as well as their carefree attitudes. They are simple to recognize thanks to the orange or yellow scales that cover their bodies and the long, flowing fins that they possess. These fish require only a moderate amount of attention and maintenance. Carp, which are endemic to Asia, are the ancestors of goldfish.
3. Goat
Scientific name: Capra aegagrus hircus
Type of animal: Mammal
Phylum: Chordata
Habitat: Goats prefer terrain such as mountains, forests, and grasslands. Asia, Africa, and Europe are the primary habitat places for them.
Average lifespan: 15-18 years
Diet: Their diet comprises grasses, leaves, fruits, and vegetables. They are also known to eat bark, twigs, and even bones.
Fun Fact: Goats are agile and can climb steep cliffs and rocky terrain. They are also known as stubborn animals.
Goats are small animals with long necks, beards, and hooves. They can quickly adjust to new places and eat almost anything. Goats are social and live in groups called herds. The long, curved horns on these animals make them easy to spot. Goats usually have brown, black, or white coats. They are great for getting milk, meat, and wool.
4. Giraffe
Scientific name: Giraffa camelopardalis
Type of animal: Mammal
Phylum: Chordata
Habitat: Giraffes live in savannas and grasslands in Africa.
Average lifespan: 20-25 years
Diet: Their diet primarily consists of leaves, shoots, and fruits.
Fun Fact: They have a black tongue up to 20 inches long. Giraffes can run at a speed of 35mph.
Giraffes are tall with long necks. They have unique coat patterns in shades of brown. The patterns have lighter lines between them. These patterns are unique to each individual, similar to human fingerprints. Giraffes have long legs, necks, and horn-like ossicones. They can easily eat anything from tall trees. Giraffes are social and form small groups called towers. Towers consist of females and their young. On the other hand, adult males like to stay alone. Giraffes are calm and gentle animals.
5. Gopher
Scientific name: Geomyidae
Type of animal: Rodent
Phylum: Chordata
Habitat: Gophers live in grasslands, prairies, and deserts.
Average lifespan: 1-3 years
Diet: Gophers are mainly herbivores and eat a variety of grasses, roots, and plant material. But they also eat insects and other small animals.
Fun Fact: They build complex burrow systems with multiple chambers for sleeping, storing food, and raising young. They can close their nostrils to keep out dirt while they are digging.
Gophers are little rodents covered in fur and distinguished by their short legs and tails. They use their huge front claws, which they dig with, to create their tunnels. The fur of gophers is normally brown or grey. Both of their ears and eyes are quite huge. They are active at all times of the day and night. Open areas, like fields and grasslands, are typically the best places to look for them.
6. Garter Snake
Scientific name: Thamnophis sirtalis
Type of animal: Reptile
Phylum: Chordata
Habitat: They are found in North America.
Average lifespan: 2-10 years
Diet: They eat various small animals, including insects, amphibians, and fish.
Fun Fact: Garter snakes can shed their tails as a defense mechanism.
Garter snakes are slim reptiles. They’re usually 18-26 inches (46-66 centimeters) long. However, some Garter snakes can also reach up to 4 feet (1.2 meters) long. They have a long, narrow body covered in scales. The scales are found in various colors, such as green, brown, yellow, red, or black. They have a distinct dorsal stripe and two smaller lateral stripes. Garter snakes are not venomous. They like basking in the sun or hiding under rocks and logs. They’re active during the day.
7. German Shepherd
Scientific name: Canis lupus familiaris
Type of animal: Mammal
Phylum: Chordata
Habitat: Originally from Germany, German Shepherds are now found worldwide.
Average lifespan: 9-13 years
Diet: German Shepherds are omnivores, consisting of a balanced mix of meat, vegetables, and grains.
Fun Fact: German Shepherds are highly intelligent and versatile working dogs. They are commonly used as police dogs and search and rescue dogs.
German Shepherds are big and strong dogs. They have a muscular body. They are found in different colors like black and tan, sable, or solid black. They are great working dogs and loyal companions. Their ears are erect, and they always keep an alert expression on their face. They have a strong smell power. Because of this, they are mostly used as police dogs. The German Shepherd is a loyal, intelligent, and protective dog.
8. Grizzly Bear
Scientific name: Ursus arctos horribilis
Type of animal: Mammal
Phylum: Chordata
Habitat: Grizzly bears found in North America. They live mostly in mountains and forests.
Average lifespan: 20-25 years in the wild
Diet: They are omnivores and eat both plants and animals.
Fun Fact: Grizzly bears are excellent swimmers and can travel long distances in the water. They can also climb trees and run up to 30 mph.
Grizzly bears are large and powerful animals. They often weigh between 400 to 1,500 pounds (180 to 680 kilograms). They have a hump of muscle on their shoulders, which helps to support their powerful forelimbs. Their fur can be blond to dark brown, with white tips, giving them a grizzled appearance. Grizzly bears have long, curved claws for digging and foraging. They are generally not very social animals, but they can be social during certain times, such as when gathering around food sources.
9. Goblin Shark
Scientific name: Mitsukurina Owstoni
Type of animal: Fish
Phylum: Chordata
Habitat: They live in the deep sea (1000-4000 meters)
Average lifespan: Estimated to be around 30-35 years
Diet: Fish, squid, and other small marine animals
Fun Fact: Goblin sharks have long, narrow snouts and sharp teeth that extend out of their mouth when they attack prey.
Goblin sharks look different because of their long, flat snouts and slim bodies. They’re kind of pinkish-gray in color. They are known as “living fossils” of the world. Their jaws can stick out and catch prey really fast. We don’t see them generally. Goblin sharks live very deep down in the ocean or the dark area of the ocean. They are one of the most mysterious sharks that are hard to find.
10. Gorilla
Scientific name: Gorilla
Type of animal: Mammal
Phylum: Chordata
Habitat: Gorillas thrive in rainforests of central Africa’s tropical regions.
Average lifespan: 35-40 years
Diet: They are Herbivores. They fed mostly on fruit, leaves, stems, and insects.
Fun Fact: Gorillas are the largest living primates. They are quite close to us genetically, which is about 98% of our DNA.
Gorillas are very strong animals but gentle animals. They have big, strong bodies and heads with big eyebrows and thick, dark hair. Gorillas live in groups called troops. Their leader is a male called a silverback. They do a lot of things to communicate, like using tools and making sounds with their bodies. However, the number of gorillas is decreasing day by day b.
11. Giant Clam
Scientific name: Tridacna gigas
Type of animal: Mollusk
Phylum: Mollusca
Habitat: Shallow tropical waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans
Average lifespan: Estimated to be over 100 years
Diet: They extract nutrients from plankton, algae, and other microscopic organisms
Fun Fact: Giant clams can grow over 4 feet wide and weigh over 500 pounds.
Giant clams are huge and colorful. They are generally 4 feet in length and hundreds of pounds in weight. Their shells have intricate patterns and vivid hues. When threatened, they close their shells quickly. This traps water inside and makes it hard for predators to open them. They have a siphon for waste expulsion and respiration. These creatures are important for reef ecosystems. They provide shelter and enhance biodiversity.
12. Gaboon Viper
Scientific name: Bitis gabonica
Type of animal: Reptile
Phylum: Chordata
Habitat: Generally, they are found in Forests and rainforests of central and western Africa.
Average lifespan: 12-20 years in the wild (can live longer in captivity)
Diet: They fed on Small mammals, birds, and other reptiles.
Fun Fact: Gaboon vipers have the longest fangs of any venomous snake, which can be up to two inches in length.
Gabon vipers are famous for their stunning looks and amazing ability to hide. They’ve got a big, triangle-shaped head with leaf-like markings that make them blend in perfectly with their surroundings. Their venom is super strong and mainly used to paralyze their prey. Gabon vipers are usually pretty chill and don’t like fights. But If they feel threatened, they can strike real fast and hard. And their venom is seriously dangerous to us humans.
13. Glowworm
Scientific name: Lampyridae family
Type of animal: Insect
Phylum: Arthropoda
Habitat: Glowworms are found in tropical regions around the world. They live in Caves, overhangs, rock cavities, and other sheltered areas.
Average lifespan: 1-2 years
Diet: They eat insects, such as moths, midges, and flies.
Fun Fact: Glowworms produce a blue-green light to attract mates and prey.
Glowworms are a seriously fascinating animal that has an enchanting glow. The larvae of glowworms actually emit a blue-green light from their tails. They dangle their glowing tails like a line, and unsuspecting bugs get trapped in the sticky threads. Adult glowworms look like small flies, but they don’t have that don’t glow very much glowing.
14. Gharial
Scientific name: Gavialis gangeticus
Type of animal: Reptile
Phylum: Chordata
Habitat: They found in slow-moving rivers and wetlands in India, Nepal, and Bangladesh
Average lifespan: 40-60 years in the wild (can live longer in captivity)
Diet: They primarily feed on fish.
Fun Fact: Gharials have long, narrow snouts with over 100 sharp teeth, which allow them to catch fish more efficiently.
The gharial is a unique crocodilian species that is at risk. It is different from other gharials because of its long, thin snout. The male has a big, round growth on their snouts called a “ghara.” It makes a buzzing sound when they’re trying to attract mates. Gharials are good at living in water because they have webbed feet and streamlined bodies. It’s really important to protect their homes and help them survive.
15. Ghost Crab
Scientific name: Ocypode genus
Type of animal: Crustacean
Phylum: Arthropoda
Habitat: They live on beaches and dunes in tropical and subtropical regions
Average lifespan: 1-2 years
Diet: They fed on Scavenger and predators of small animals, including insects, mollusks, and other crabs
Fun Fact: Ghost crabs can run up to 5 miles per hour!
Ghost crabs have a light, sandy color. It helps them to blend in on the beach. They can move quickly with their strong legs on sand and land. These crabs are great at digging burrows to stay safe from predators and bad weather. At night, ghost crabs search for food with their mates along the shoreline.
16. Gaur
Scientific name: Bos gaurus
Type of animal: Mammal
Phylum: Chordata
Habitat: They are found in forests and grasslands in the countries of Southeast Asia.
Average lifespan: 20-25 years in the wild.
Diet: They feed on grasses, leaves, and fruits.
Fun Fact: Gaur are the largest wild cattle in the world, with males weighing up to 1,800 pounds.
The gaur is also called the Indian bison. It is a big and beautiful cow. It’s strong and has a dark brown to black coat, with curved horns that can be 4 feet long. Gaurs live in groups with moms and kids. But, the males hang out in different smaller groups. They like their territory and use sounds and actions to talk to each other.
17. Galah
Scientific name: Eolophus roseicapilla
Type of animal: Bird
Phylum: Chordata
Habitat: They mostly live in open woodlands and grassy plains of Australia
Average lifespan: 20-40 years in the wild
Diet: They mainly feed on Seeds, fruits, insects, and nectar
Fun Fact: Galahs are known for their pink feathers and loud, raucous calls.
The galah is a friendly parrot with pink and gray feathers. The crest on their heads looks cool, and they can move it up and down. Galahs like being around others and often fly in big groups. They can talk to each other with some sounds and do fun things together. They’re very good at flying and can copy different sounds and calls. They make Australian landscapes lively and colorful.
18. Gila Monster
Scientific name: Heloderma suspectum
Type of animal: Reptile
Phylum: Chordata
Habitat: They inhabit the dry landscapes of the Southwestern US and Mexico.
Average lifespan: 20-30 years
Diet: They mainly eat small mammals, birds, eggs, and carrion
Fun Fact: Gila monsters are the only venomous lizards native to the United States.
The Gila monster is a type of lizard that’s venomous. It has a chubby body with bumpy skin. They are generally found in black and orange or yellow colors. These colors are a sign to other animals to stay away from this animal. They move very slowly. Gila monsters like to hide in burrows or under rocks. They come out mostly at night and don’t need a lot of food to survive in dry places.
19. Great White Shark
Scientific name: Carcharodon carcharias
Type of animal: Fish
Phylum: Chordata
Habitat: They are found in most of the oceans of the world. However, they are mostly seen on the coasts of Australia, South Africa, and California.
Average lifespan: 30-50 years
Diet: Great White Shark primarily eat marine mammals, fish, seabirds, and other sharks
Fun Fact: Great white sharks are the largest predatory fish in the world.
The great white shark is a really famous and strong predator in the ocean. It has a strong body, a shape that helps it swim fast. It has lots of sharp teeth. Sometimes, they jump out of the water when they’re hunting. Even though they’re famous for being scary, they don’t usually bother humans. They’re important for keeping the ocean ecosystem balanced. Great white sharks travel a lot, swimming long distances to find food and good places to have babies.
20. Gazelle
Scientific name: Gazella
Type of animal: Antelope
Phylum: Chordata
Habitat: They found in the Savannas, grasslands, and deserts of Africa and Asia
Average lifespan: 10-15 years
Diet: They are herbivores. Grass, leaves, and fruits comprise the majority of the food of gazelles.
Fun Fact: Gazelles can run up to 60 miles per hour.
This animal looks really elegant and is one of the fastest antelopes. They live in dry places. They have slim bodies, long legs, and curved horns that both males and females have. Gazelles like being with others and make groups with moms and kids, while males have their own areas and compete for mates. They can travel far to find food and water, and their speed makes it hard for predators to catch them. When gazelles are around, the places they live in become more beautiful and lively.
21. Gray Fox
Scientific name: Urocyon cinereoargenteus
Type of animal: Canid
Phylum: Chordata
Average lifespan: 8-10 years
Habitat: They live in woodlands, forests, deserts, and urban areas
Diet: They are Omnivores and eat various small animals, fruit, and vegetables.
Fun fact: Gray foxes can climb trees and swim.
The grey fox is a cute, medium-sized animal with gray and reddish fur. They have a fluffy tail with a black tip that makes them different from other foxes. Grey foxes remain awake at night. They have great sharp senses and are very good at hunting. They like being alone and letting other animals know where they live by leaving smells and making noises. These foxes can adjust to different places without having any problems.
22. Grasshopper
Scientific name: Acrididae
Type of animal: Insect
Phylum: Arthropoda
Average lifespan: 1-2 years
Habitat: They are found in different Grasslands, fields, and forests.
Diet: They eat a variety of grasses, leaves, and other plants.
Fun fact: Grasshoppers can jump up to 20 times their body length.
Grasshoppers have long back legs that help them jump far. Some grasshoppers can even fly, but not all of them. When they get scared, they can jump really high using their back legs like springs. Grasshoppers come in different colors and can blend in with where they live. They’re an important element of nature because they’re food for other animals and help plants by spreading pollen. They help keep everything balanced in their homes.
23. Giant Otter
Scientific name: Pteronura brasiliensis
Type of animal: Otter
Phylum: Chordata
Average lifespan: 10-15 years in the wild.
Habitat: They live in rivers and lakes of South America
Diet: They eat fish, crabs, and other aquatic animals.
Fun fact: It is the largest otter species around the world.
The giant otter is the biggest kind of otter and looks sleek. They have webbed feet and thick fur. They’re very good at swimming. They use their tails to move in the water. Giant otters make sounds like barks, screams, and chirps to talk to their families. They have sharp teeth. Besides, they are great at hunting because they can move very quickly.
24. Galapagos Penguin
Scientific name: Spheniscus mendiculus
Type of animal: Penguin
Phylum: Chordata
Average lifespan: 15-20 years
Habitat: Galapagos penguins found in Galapagos Islands.
Diet: They mostly eat fish, squid, and krill
Fun fact: It is the smallest of the species of penguin.
The Galapagos penguin is a unique type of penguin. It’s the smallest kind of penguin. They can handle the warm weather on the Galapagos Islands. They have smooth bodies with black on top and white on their bellies. Galapagos penguins are great swimmers and divers. They use their wing-like flippers to move in the water. They have special feathers that keep them warm and help them swim. This animal shows the diversity of the Galapagos Islands.
25. Glass Frogs
Scientific name: Centrolenidae
Type of animal: Amphibian
Phylum: Chordata
Average lifespan: 3-5 years
Habitat: Their home is in the Central and South American tropical rainforests.
Diet: Insects
Fun fact: The transparent skin of glass frogs will allow you to see their internal organs, such as their heart, liver, and intestines.
Glass frogs have special characteristics; you can see their organs through their clear belly skin. They’re usually green, but their see-through skin makes them unique animals. They have sticky pads on their feet that help them climb and stick to plants. Glass frogs mostly live in trees. Generally, they remain active at night. They have unique sounds that they use to talk and attract their mates.
26. Gyrfalcon
Scientific name: Falco rusticolus
Type of animal: Bird of prey
Phylum: Chordata
Average lifespan: 15-20 years
Habitat: They live in the arctic tundra, boreal forests, and the islands of northern North America and the Eurosiberian region
Diet: They eat birds, mammals, and fish
Fun fact: The gyrfalcon is the largest of 40 species of them.
The gyrfalcon is the biggest kind of falcon. Gyrfalcon is found in white, gray, or brown colors. However, the color depends on the place where they live. Gyrfalcons have strong beaks and claws that they use to catch and kill their prey while flying. They’re very good at hunting and can change their techniques to catch the prey. These birds are great at living in cold places. They have special feathers that keep them warm in the winter.
27. Gibbon
Scientific name: Hylobatidae
Type of animal: Primate
Phylum: Chordata
Average lifespan: 30-40 years
Habitat: They live in tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia
Diet: They primarily feed on fruit, leaves, insects, and small animals.
Fun fact: Gibbons are the only apes that can walk bipedally for short distances.
Gibbons can move from one tree to other trees. They can swing and jump very well. Their long arms and strong hands of them help them to move fast through the forest. They are mostly found in black, brown, and white colors. The color variation on the kind of gibbon. They always mark their territory, where they live. Gibbons make strong connections and usually stay with one partner. They take care of their kids like humans.
28. Golden Lion Tamarin
Scientific name: Leontopithecus rosalia
Type of animal: Primate
Phylum: Chordata
Average lifespan: 15-20 years
Habitat: They found in the Atlantic coastal forests of Brazil
Diet: They mostly eat fruit, insects, and small animals.
Fun fact: Golden lion tamarins are the largest of the tamarin species.
The golden lion tamarin is a little primate that looks pretty and can catch your eye. They have long, silky fur that can be golden or reddish-orange. They have a special long, colorful mane around their face. These tamarins live in groups of up to 8 family members. They’re good at climbing and spend most of their time in trees. They use their sharp claws to move quickly in the forest.
Conclusion
Animals have always been an integral part of the world we live in. They are crucial members and play important roles in every ecosystem they form. Today we listed some of the most common animals that start with G.
So next time you are out there in the presence of animals, we hope can easily identify them and find some common ones from this list.
