80+ Animals That Start With G: List, Facts & Fun

From the dense jungles of Africa to the icy shores of Antarctica, animals that start with G can be found in every corner of the globe. This list explores over 80 species that share the letter G, organized across mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, insects, fish, and marine life.

Each entry includes quick facts, conservation status, and a fascinating trivia tidbit to help you better understand the world’s biodiversity. Whether you’re a student, nature lover, or trivia enthusiast, get ready to meet the giraffe, gorilla, gannet, gecko, and dozens more. Let’s dive into the full list of animals that start with G.

Animals That Start With G: Complete List

Gaur (Bos gaurus)

The gaur is a massive wild bovine native to South and Southeast Asia. Often referred to as the Indian bison, it prefers forested regions and grassy clearings. Gaurs have a distinctive muscular build, dark brown coats, and white “stockings” on their legs. Adult males can weigh over 1,000 kg and stand more than 2 meters tall at the shoulder. Their diet consists mainly of grasses, shoots, and leaves. They live in herds, usually led by a dominant female. Gaurs are currently listed as Vulnerable due to habitat loss and hunting.

Quick Facts

Fun Fact: Gaurs are the largest species of wild cattle in the world.

Galápagos Tortoise (Chelonoidis nigra)

The Galápagos tortoise is the world’s largest tortoise and is native to the Galápagos Islands. Known for its domed shell and incredibly slow movements, it plays a vital ecological role in its island ecosystem. It primarily eats grasses, fruits, and cacti. These tortoises can survive months without food or water, storing fat in their bodies for long journeys. They are solitary by nature and are active mostly during the cooler parts of the day. Conservation programs have helped boost their populations after centuries of decline.

Quick Facts

Fun Fact: Some Galápagos tortoises have lived well beyond 150 years.

Gerenuk (Litocranius walleri)

The gerenuk, also called the giraffe gazelle, is an East African antelope with a long neck and slender limbs. It lives in dry bushland and semi-desert areas and feeds on leaves, flowers, and fruits. Gerenuks can stand upright on their hind legs to browse high branches, a unique behavior among antelopes. Males have lyre-shaped horns, while females do not. They are generally solitary or live in small groups. Though not endangered, their numbers are declining in some areas.

Quick Facts

Fun Fact: Gerenuks don’t need to drink water—they get all their moisture from food.

Golden Lion Tamarin (Leontopithecus rosalia)

This striking primate with its golden-orange fur is native to the Atlantic coastal forests of Brazil. Golden lion tamarins live in small family groups and are known for their agility in treetop habitats. Their diet includes fruits, insects, and small reptiles. Habitat destruction has severely threatened their populations, though intensive conservation efforts have improved their status. They use vocalizations and scent-marking for communication and territory defense.

Quick Facts

Fun Fact: Despite their name, golden lion tamarins are not closely related to lions.

Gila Monster (Heloderma suspectum)

The Gila monster is one of the few venomous lizards in the world, found in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It has a distinctive black-and-pink beaded skin and a sluggish movement style. The lizard spends most of its life underground, emerging to feed on eggs, small mammals, and birds. It stores fat in its tail and feeds infrequently. Its venom is used defensively, not for hunting. Though feared, it rarely poses danger to humans.

Quick Facts

Fun Fact: The Gila monster’s venom inspired the development of diabetes medication.

Great White Shark (Carcharodon carcharias)

This iconic apex predator is found in coastal waters across the world’s oceans. Great white sharks are recognized by their torpedo-shaped body, white underside, and large triangular teeth. They can grow quite large and are powerful swimmers, capable of breaching the water during hunting. Their diet includes fish, seals, and other marine animals. Despite their fearsome reputation, attacks on humans are rare. Overfishing and finning practices have led to declining populations.

Quick Facts

Fun Fact: Great white sharks can detect a drop of blood in 25 gallons of water.

Goose (Anser spp.)

Geese are medium-to-large waterfowl found across Europe, Asia, and North America. They prefer wetlands, lakes, and grassy fields, often migrating long distances in V-shaped flocks. Geese have long necks, webbed feet, and stout bodies with various color patterns depending on the species. They graze on grasses, grains, and aquatic vegetation. Most species form lifelong monogamous pairs and show strong parental care. Several species are common and domesticated, while others are protected.

Quick Facts

Fun Fact: Geese return to the exact same nesting and wintering sites every year.

Groundhog (Marmota monax)

Also known as the woodchuck, the groundhog is a burrowing rodent native to North America. It lives in forests, open fields, and suburban areas. Groundhogs have stout bodies, short legs, and brown-gray fur. They feed on plants, grasses, fruits, and vegetables. These animals hibernate in winter, retreating into complex burrows. Groundhogs are solitary and territorial, except during mating season. They’re commonly associated with Groundhog Day folklore.

Quick Facts

Fun Fact: Groundhogs can dig burrows up to 20 meters long.

Green Iguana (Iguana iguana)

The green iguana is a large arboreal lizard found throughout Central and South America. It thrives in rainforests and near rivers, basking in sunlight to regulate its body temperature. Known for its vibrant green coloration, long tail, and spiny dorsal crest, the green iguana primarily eats leaves and fruit. It’s an excellent climber and swimmer. Though commonly kept as a pet, it can be invasive in some regions like Florida.

Quick Facts

Fun Fact: Green iguanas can drop their tails to escape predators—a process called autotomy.

Gecko (Gekkonidae family)

Geckos are small lizards found worldwide, especially in warm climates. They’re known for their unique toe pads that allow them to climb walls and ceilings. Geckos have a wide variety of colors and patterns, with some species capable of changing color or glowing under UV light. Most are insectivores, hunting at night using excellent vision. They are solitary and territorial. Geckos communicate with clicks and chirps, which is rare among lizards.

Quick Facts

Fun Fact: Gecko feet can stick to surfaces without liquids, thanks to microscopic hair-like structures.

Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)

The golden eagle is a powerful raptor found across the Northern Hemisphere. It inhabits mountains, deserts, and open plains. With dark brown plumage and golden feathers on its head and neck, it’s one of the largest birds of prey. Golden eagles hunt rabbits, birds, and even young deer, using their speed and talons. They are monogamous and fiercely territorial. Despite some regional threats, they remain relatively widespread.

Quick Facts

Fun Fact: Golden eagles can dive at speeds over 240 km/h (150 mph).

Guanaco (Lama guanicoe)

A wild relative of the llama, the guanaco roams the dry plains and mountainous regions of South America. It has a thick, reddish-brown coat, long neck, and large eyes adapted to harsh climates. Guanacos graze on grasses and shrubs. They live in family groups with one dominant male. These animals are excellent runners, able to evade predators with agility. While their numbers are stable, some populations are declining due to habitat loss.

Quick Facts

Fun Fact: Guanacos can survive at altitudes over 4,000 meters.

Goby (Gobiidae family)

Gobies are a diverse group of small fish found in marine, brackish, and freshwater environments. They often inhabit coral reefs, tide pools, and riverbeds. Gobies are known for their fused pelvic fins, which form a suction cup used to cling to rocks. They feed on small invertebrates and algae. Many species form symbiotic relationships with other animals like shrimp. Gobies are typically peaceful and exhibit territorial behavior.

Quick Facts

Fun Fact: Some gobies guard shrimp burrows in exchange for food and shelter.

Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas)

The green sea turtle is a large marine reptile found in tropical and subtropical oceans worldwide. Named for the green fat beneath its shell, not its color, it spends most of its life in the ocean, migrating between feeding grounds and nesting beaches. Adults feed mostly on seagrasses and algae. Females return to the same beach where they were born to lay eggs. Pollution, poaching, and habitat loss threaten their survival.

Quick Facts

Fun Fact: Hatchling turtles use the Earth’s magnetic field to navigate back to their birthplace.

Gray Wolf (Canis lupus)

The gray wolf is the largest wild member of the dog family and is native to North America, Europe, and Asia. It has a dense coat that ranges from white to black, though most are grayish. Gray wolves thrive in forests, tundra, grasslands, and even deserts. They live and hunt in packs, cooperating to take down large prey like deer, elk, and bison. Their social structure is highly organized, led by an alpha pair. Once nearly eradicated in some regions, reintroduction programs have helped their recovery.

Quick Facts

Fun Fact: Gray wolves can travel up to 30 km (18 miles) a day while hunting.

Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus)

The gharial is a critically endangered crocodilian found in the rivers of northern India and Nepal. It has a long, narrow snout lined with sharp teeth—perfect for catching fish, its primary diet. Gharials are mostly aquatic and rarely move far from water. Males develop a bulbous nasal growth called a “ghara” used for vocalization. Though non-aggressive to humans, their habitat has been severely fragmented. Conservation breeding programs aim to prevent extinction.

Quick Facts

Fun Fact: The gharial’s jaw shape allows almost no resistance in water, helping it snatch fish with lightning speed.

Gibbon (Hylobatidae family)

Gibbons are small apes native to the tropical forests of Southeast Asia. They’re known for their long arms, which they use to swing gracefully through the canopy—a form of movement called brachiation. Gibbons are highly vocal, using loud whoops and songs to mark territory. They are monogamous and live in small family units. Their diet consists mainly of fruit, leaves, and insects. Several species are endangered due to habitat loss.

Quick Facts

Fun Fact: Gibbons can leap over 9 meters (30 feet) between trees.

Goliath Frog (Conraua goliath)

The goliath frog is the largest frog species in the world and is found only in Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea. It can grow as large as a domestic cat and lives near fast-flowing rivers. Its skin is greenish-brown and helps it blend with mossy rocks. Goliath frogs eat insects, crustaceans, and other frogs. They are mainly nocturnal and extremely powerful jumpers. Habitat destruction and hunting have caused serious population declines.

Quick Facts

Fun Fact: Goliath frogs can move rocks to build nesting pools.

Green Heron (Butorides virescens)

The green heron is a small wading bird native to North and Central America. It has a dark, glossy green back and chestnut-colored neck. This bird prefers wetlands, marshes, and riversides, often seen hunched near the water’s edge. It feeds on fish, amphibians, and insects, sometimes using tools like bait to lure prey. Green herons are solitary and secretive, nesting in trees near water. Their population is currently stable.

Quick Facts

Fun Fact: Green herons are one of the few bird species known to use tools.

Ghost Crab (Ocypode spp.)

Ghost crabs are pale, fast-moving crabs found on sandy beaches around the world. They are named for their light coloration and nocturnal habits. These crabs dig deep burrows in the sand and emerge at night to feed on detritus, insects, and small animals. Their eyes are located on stalks, giving them panoramic vision. Ghost crabs can run sideways at impressive speeds to avoid predators. They’re not endangered and are important for beach ecosystems.

Quick Facts

Fun Fact: Ghost crabs can “hum” by grinding a structure in their stomach.

Grizzly Bear (Ursus arctos horribilis)

Grizzly bears are a subspecies of brown bear found in North America. They live in forests, tundras, and alpine meadows, often near rivers. These massive mammals have brown fur with grizzled tips, a muscular hump on their shoulders, and long claws for digging. Grizzlies are omnivores, eating everything from berries to salmon to carrion. They hibernate in winter and are mostly solitary. Though not endangered, some populations are under threat.

Quick Facts

Fun Fact: Grizzly bears can smell food from over 30 kilometers (18 miles) away.

Green Tree Python (Morelia viridis)

Native to New Guinea and northern Australia, the green tree python is an arboreal snake known for its vivid green color and coiled resting position. It inhabits tropical rainforests and often curls around tree branches during the day. These snakes are ambush predators, feeding on small mammals, birds, and reptiles. They are non-venomous and use constriction to subdue prey. Their neon coloration makes them popular in the exotic pet trade.

Quick Facts

Fun Fact: Juvenile green tree pythons are born bright yellow or red before turning green.

Galah (Eolophus roseicapilla)

The galah is a striking pink and gray cockatoo native to most of mainland Australia. Commonly seen in open woodlands and urban parks, galahs are social, noisy, and often found in flocks. Their diet includes seeds, fruits, and roots, which they forage from the ground. Galahs are monogamous and nest in tree hollows. Known for their acrobatics and comical behavior, they’ve adapted well to human-modified landscapes and are one of Australia’s most widespread parrots.

Quick Facts

Fun Fact: The word “galah” is Aussie slang for a silly or loud person—named after the bird’s behavior.

Green Moray Eel (Gymnothorax funebris)

The green moray eel is a large, snake-like fish found in the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean reefs. Despite its green appearance, its body is actually brown—the yellow mucus coating gives it the green tint. Green morays dwell in rocky crevices, where they ambush prey like fish and crustaceans. Though often feared, they’re shy and usually retreat when approached. Their strong jaws and needle-like teeth make them effective nocturnal hunters.

Quick Facts

Fun Fact: Green morays open and close their mouths constantly—not to threaten, but to breathe.

Giant Anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla)

The giant anteater is a unique mammal found in Central and South America. With its elongated snout, bushy tail, and long tongue, it’s perfectly adapted for feeding on ants and termites. It lacks teeth but has strong claws for tearing open nests. Giant anteaters roam savannas and forests, using scent to find food. Solitary by nature, they have poor eyesight but excellent smell. They are vulnerable due to habitat destruction and road mortality.

Quick Facts

Fun Fact: A giant anteater can flick its tongue up to 150 times per minute.

Goblin Shark (Mitsukurina owstoni)

The goblin shark is a deep-sea species known for its eerie appearance and long, flattened snout. It inhabits the ocean depths off Japan and other scattered global locations. Its translucent pinkish skin and protrusible jaws give it a “prehistoric” look. Goblin sharks feed on fish, crustaceans, and squid. Because they live at great depths, they are rarely seen by humans and poorly understood.

Quick Facts

Fun Fact: The goblin shark’s jaws can shoot forward faster than the blink of an eye.

Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus)

The great horned owl is one of North America’s most widespread and powerful owls. Recognizable by its feather tufts (“horns”) and yellow eyes, it lives in forests, deserts, and even cities. It has a diverse diet that includes mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. This nocturnal predator uses silent flight and sharp talons to ambush prey. Mated pairs are territorial and may remain together year-round.

Quick Facts

Fun Fact: Great horned owls can carry prey heavier than themselves.

Grasshopper (Caelifera suborder)

Grasshoppers are plant-eating insects found in nearly every terrestrial habitat. Known for their strong hind legs, they can leap up to 20 times their body length. Their powerful jaws allow them to chew tough plant material. In some species, when populations explode, they form swarms—known as locusts. Grasshoppers serve as a vital food source for birds, reptiles, and small mammals. Most are solitary and harmless to humans.

Quick Facts

Fun Fact: Some grasshoppers make sounds by rubbing their legs against their wings—called stridulation.

Golden Jackal (Canis aureus)

The golden jackal is a medium-sized canid found throughout North and East Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Europe. It resembles a small wolf with a golden-brown coat and is highly adaptable to deserts, forests, and human settlements. Omnivorous by nature, it eats small animals, carrion, fruits, and garbage. Jackals are monogamous and live in pairs or small packs. Their population is stable, but habitat encroachment is a concern in some areas.

Quick Facts

Fun Fact: Golden jackals are known to form hunting partnerships with tigers or humans in folklore.

Glass Frog (Centrolenidae family)

Glass frogs are small, nocturnal amphibians found in Central and South America. They’re named for their translucent skin—especially on the underside—through which you can see their organs. These tree-dwelling frogs live near freshwater streams in rainforests. They feed on small insects and are known for their high-pitched mating calls. Males guard the eggs until they hatch. Many species are threatened due to habitat destruction and pollution.

Quick Facts

Fun Fact: You can often see the heart beating inside a glass frog’s body.

Great Dane (Canis lupus familiaris)

The Great Dane is a domestic dog breed known for its massive size and gentle temperament. Originating from Germany, it was historically bred for hunting wild boar. These dogs have long legs, sleek coats, and a noble posture. Despite their intimidating stature, they are affectionate and friendly, often called “gentle giants.” Great Danes are popular family pets but require ample space and a moderate exercise routine. They are prone to certain health issues, especially heart and joint conditions.

Quick Facts

Fun Fact: Great Danes are among the tallest dog breeds—some can reach over 2.2 meters (7 ft) when standing on their hind legs.

Giant Pacific Octopus (Enteroctopus dofleini)

The giant Pacific octopus is the largest species of octopus, found along the northern Pacific coastline from California to Japan. It thrives in cold, coastal waters and is known for its intelligence, camouflage skills, and flexibility. These octopuses feed on crabs, clams, and fish, using their suctioned arms to grasp and manipulate prey. Solitary and nocturnal, they live in dens and exhibit problem-solving behavior. They die shortly after reproducing, with females guarding their eggs until death.

Quick Facts

Fun Fact: Each octopus arm has its own “mini-brain” and can act semi-independently.

Green Bee-Eater (Merops orientalis)

The green bee-eater is a small, vividly colored bird found in open woodlands and grasslands of Africa and Asia. It has emerald green plumage, slender wings, and an elongated central tail feather. As its name suggests, it feeds mainly on bees and other flying insects, often catching them mid-air. These social birds often perch on wires or low branches. They nest in burrows dug into sandy banks and are known for their playful aerial displays.

Quick Facts

Fun Fact: Before eating bees, green bee-eaters remove the stinger by bashing them against a hard surface.

Grebe (Podicipedidae family)

Grebes are diving water birds found on freshwater lakes and wetlands across the globe. They have lobed toes (not webbed), sharp beaks, and dense waterproof feathers. Excellent swimmers and divers, grebes feed on fish and aquatic invertebrates. During mating season, they perform elaborate courtship dances. Most species build floating nests anchored to aquatic vegetation. While many populations are stable, some rare species are endangered due to water pollution and habitat loss.

Quick Facts

Fun Fact: Grebes often swallow their own feathers to help digest fish bones.

Gulf Toadfish (Opsanus beta)

The Gulf toadfish is a bottom-dwelling fish found in the Gulf of Mexico and along the southeastern coast of the United States. It has a broad, flat head, mottled coloration, and fleshy barbels around the mouth. Toadfish make croaking or grunting sounds—especially during mating season—using their swim bladder. They feed on shrimp, small fish, and crabs. Though not prized by anglers, they play a role in the marine food chain and are not considered endangered.

Quick Facts

Fun Fact: The Gulf toadfish can survive in low-oxygen waters that most fish cannot tolerate.

Giant African Snail (Achatina fulica)

The giant African snail is one of the largest land snails in the world and is native to East Africa, though it has become invasive in many regions. It has a large, conical shell and a voracious appetite for plants. These snails are nocturnal and can consume over 500 different plant species, making them a serious agricultural pest. They reproduce quickly and lay hundreds of eggs per year. In some areas, they are used in traditional medicine and cuisine.

Quick Facts

Fun Fact: Giant African snails are hermaphrodites—they possess both male and female reproductive organs.

Guinea Pig (Cavia porcellus)

The guinea pig is a domesticated rodent originally native to the Andes Mountains. Popular as pets and research animals, they are social, gentle, and vocal, using squeaks and purrs to communicate. Guinea pigs are herbivores, feeding on hay, fruits, and vegetables. They require vitamin C in their diet, as they cannot produce it naturally. These animals live in groups and thrive on companionship. They’ve also played roles in Andean rituals and cuisine.

Quick Facts

Fun Fact: Guinea pigs practice “popcorning”—a happy jump or hop, especially in young individuals.

Gudgeon (Gobio gobio)

The gudgeon is a small freshwater fish found in rivers and streams across Europe and parts of Asia. It has a slender body, barbels near its mouth, and prefers sandy or gravel bottoms. Gudgeons feed on insects, worms, and small crustaceans. They are often seen in schools and play an important role in the aquatic food web. Though not a major target for fishing, they are occasionally used as bait fish.

Quick Facts

Fun Fact: Gudgeons can detect vibrations in the water, helping them evade predators.

Great Egret (Ardea alba)

The great egret is a large, elegant wading bird found across wetlands and shores worldwide. It has striking all-white plumage, long black legs, and a yellow bill. Known for its graceful hunting posture, the egret wades slowly through shallow water to spear fish, frogs, and insects. During the breeding season, it grows delicate plumes used in courtship displays. Though once hunted extensively for these feathers, conservation efforts have helped populations rebound.

Quick Facts

Fun Fact: Great egrets were the symbol of the U.S. Audubon Society’s founding conservation movement.

Green Woodpecker (Picus viridis)

The green woodpecker is a large European bird known for its vibrant green back, red crown, and loud laughing call. Unlike many woodpeckers, it forages mainly on the ground, feeding primarily on ants. Found in woodlands, orchards, and gardens, it nests in tree cavities it excavates with its powerful beak. The bird has a long sticky tongue used to probe anthills. Though shy, it’s a familiar sight in the UK and parts of Europe.

Quick Facts

Fun Fact: The green woodpecker’s tongue can extend up to 10 cm—longer than its beak.

Giant Clam (Tridacna gigas)

The giant clam is the world’s largest bivalve, found on coral reefs in the Indo-Pacific. It can’t close its shell completely due to its massive size and has a mantle with iridescent colors that host symbiotic algae. These algae provide most of the clam’s nutrition via photosynthesis, though it also filter-feeds plankton. It anchors itself for life on reef beds and can live for over a century. Overharvesting and habitat loss threaten some populations.

Quick Facts

Fun Fact: Despite their size, giant clams cannot “trap” swimmers—they close too slowly.

Gray Seal (Halichoerus grypus)

The gray seal is a large marine mammal found in the North Atlantic. Males are significantly larger than females and have a long, horse-like snout. They haul out on rocky shores and sandy beaches in large colonies. Gray seals feed on fish, squid, and crustaceans. They are agile swimmers but clumsy on land. Their population has rebounded in recent decades thanks to legal protections and clean-water initiatives.

Quick Facts

Fun Fact: Male gray seals can hold their breath for over 30 minutes while diving.

Great Argus (Argusianus argus)

The great argus is a spectacular pheasant species native to Southeast Asian rainforests. Males are famous for their elaborate plumage and courtship dance, where they fan out their wing feathers—decorated with “eye spots”—into a dazzling display. Females are brown and more cryptic. These birds are shy and ground-dwelling, feeding on insects, fruit, and small vertebrates. Due to habitat destruction, some populations are declining.

Quick Facts

Fun Fact: The male great argus has the longest tail feathers of any wild bird.

Golden Poison Frog (Phyllobates terribilis)

This tiny amphibian is one of the most toxic animals on Earth, found only in Colombia’s rainforests. Its bright yellow skin warns predators of its deadly alkaloid toxins, which can kill with just a tiny dose. The poison comes from its diet in the wild—captive frogs are not toxic. It uses its toxin purely for defense. Despite their danger, these frogs are vital for medical research and conservation education.

Quick Facts

Fun Fact: One golden poison frog carries enough toxin to kill 10 adult humans.

Galápagos Penguin (Spheniscus mendiculus)

The Galápagos penguin is the only penguin species found north of the equator. Native to the Galápagos Islands, it has adapted to a warm climate with cool ocean currents. These small penguins nest in lava crevices and caves, feeding on sardines and mullets. They’re excellent swimmers and often pant to cool down. The population is small and vulnerable to climate change and El Niño events that reduce food supply.

Quick Facts

Fun Fact: Galápagos penguins often shade their feet with their flippers to avoid sunburn.

Read: Animals That Start With Z
Read: Animals That Start With O:
Read: Animals That Start With R
Read: Animals That Start With L
Read: Animals That Start With P

FAQs About G Animals

How many animals start with the letter G?

This list includes over 80 animals that start with G, covering mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, insects, and sea creatures.

Which G animal is the largest?

The giant Pacific octopus and gaur are among the largest G-named species by weight, while the great argus has an extraordinary feather length.

Are there any venomous animals that start with G?

Yes, including the Gila monster and the golden poison frog—both use toxins for defense rather than hunting.

Which G animal is the most intelligent?

Gibbons, giant Pacific octopuses, and gray wolves are all highly intelligent animals with complex behaviors.

Conclusion

From gentle giants like the gaur and Great Dane to deadly creatures like the golden poison frog, animals that start with G represent a wide range of species, sizes, and ecosystems. Whether gliding through oceans or leaping through forests, these animals showcase the diversity of the natural world. Studying them helps us understand the intricate web of life on Earth. We hope this guide sparks your curiosity and appreciation for wildlife—especially the remarkable animals that start with G.