Six Interesting Animals That Start with The Letter X

Can you give me five animals whose names start with the letter X? Your guess is as good as mine. But I can give you two — a popular aquarium fish and a weird breed of dog. Surprisingly, there are at least 25 animals that starts with X. Here are some of them.

X-Ray Tetra

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The X-Ray Tetra (Pristella maxillaris), also as known as the Golden Pristella Tetra, is a small species of schooling fish that inhabits the coastal waters of the Amazon River. It is the most sought after freshwater fish kept in artificial aquariums today. The most characteristic feature of this colorful fish is its near transparent body, which serves as protection from predators. Furthermore, the species sports a very captivating color pattern – a strikingly banded dorsal and anal fins painted in white, black and yellow color.

Also, the caudal fin has a striking light red or pink coloration, and has a re-tipped tail.

The X-Ray Tetra can reach 5 cm (2 -3 inches) in size. Typically, both sexes are very similar in appearance, though females are much larger and rounder than males. Like other tetras, the species mainly feed on small insects, aquatic plants, small shrimp, worms and other planktonic animals.

Xantus’s Hummingbird

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The Xantus’s Hummingbird (Basilinna xantusii) is a medium-sized hummingbird found only in Baja California. These husky birds inhabit bushes, forests and home gardens. It can reach 8–9 cm long, and weighs about 3-4 g. Adults typically have overall green plumage with cinnamon brown underparts. Other distinctive features include: white eye stripe, large red bill capped with black tip, and orange, Rufous tail. Using a long extendable tongue, these birds sip nectar out of plants. They also take some small spiders and insects like crickets and termite.

Xenops

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Xenops is any of three extant species of passerine birds in the bird family Furnariidae. The species inhabit tropical rain forests of Mexico, Central America and South America. The three species include: Plain Xenops (Xenops minutus), Slender-billed Xenops, (Xenops tenuirostris), and Streaked Xenops (Xenops rutilans.) The species, known for its fast, sharp-sounding song, measures about 12.5 cm (5 in) long.

This lesser-known bird is easily recognized by its near flat beak with upward curved tip (except in the Slender-billed Xenops), long tail, buff or Rufous wing stripe and brown underparts. It feeds mainly on insects (especially ants) by hammering open decaying stumps or bare twigs.

Xenopus

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Xenopus is any of 20 extant species of highly aquatic frogs in the Xenopus genus. Collectively as African Clawed Frogs, the species are native to Sub-Saharan Africa. Xenopus, in particular (Xenopus laevis), is studied for biomedical research.

The genus Xenopus has flattened, oval-shaped and sleek body. The eyes are set on top of the head. All species have no moveable eyelids, eardrums and tongues. It has powerful webbed toes, with three of the toes on each foot have striking black claws. Adult frogs rely on their small forelimbs to forage for food.

Xerus

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Xerus is any of the four species of African ground squirrel found throughout southern Africa. These squirrels prefer grasslands, open woodlands, or rocky country, living in burrows. They live in colonies with comprising about 19 to 20 individuals in a group. Their diet includes: grasses, fruits, seeds, grains, roots, and occasionally, eat insects, small vertebrates and bird eggs. The South African Ground Squirrel does not hibernate.

Xoloitzcuintli

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The Xoloitzcuintli or Xolo, is a hairless breed of dog native to Mexico. Also known as Mexican hairless dog in English speaking countries, the breed comes in toy, miniature and standard sizes. The breed ranges in size from about 10 to 14 inches (toy), 14 to 18 inches (miniature) and 18 to 23 inches (Standard). Average weight is from 4 to 20 kg (10 to 50 lbs.) Color ranges from black, grayish black, bronze, red, or slate gray.

Xolo dog has a sleek, hairless body with a small amount of short, coarse hair on the head and tail. It has a smooth head, long neck, almond-shaped eyes, wrinkled brow, large bat-like ears, and a low-set tail.

The breed is noted for its calm demeanor. The Xolo is agile, alert, athletic, loving, loyal, obedient, and highly intelligent breed of dog. It suits well living in the house, and needs a moderate amount of daily exercise. Just remember, the breed is sensitive to sunlight, so avoid leaving him outdoors for long periods during the day. The coated and the hairless variety of Xolo are very easy to groom and care for. Bathe the dog weekly in order to keep his skin clean. Life Expectancy: About 15 and up to 20 years.

Check out the entire Animal Alphabet list here:
Amazing Animal Alphabet Series 1
Amazing Animal Alphabet Series 2