This list includes 18 Pets and domestic animals that start with T, from “Tadpole” to “Turtle”. They range from small companion and hobby species to common farm animals kept for eggs, milk, or fiber.
Pets and domestic animals that start with T are companion, hobby, or farm species with names beginning in T. For example, turtles are a long-lived pet, while turkeys are important farm birds in many cultures.
Below you’ll find the table with scientific name, typical adult size (cm), and classification.
Scientific name: Shows each animal’s Latin name so you can confirm the exact species and compare related animals.
Typical adult size (cm): Gives an average or range in centimeters so you can judge space and care needs.
Classification: Labels the group (Mammal, Bird, Reptile, Fish, Arthropod) so you understand general care and traits.
Pets and domestic animals that start with T
| Common name | Scientific name | Classification | Typical adult size (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tadpole | Anura | Amphibian | 1-15 |
| Tang | Zebrasoma flavescens | Fish | 15-20 |
| Tarantula | Brachypelma hamorii | Arthropod | 12-18 |
| Tailless Whip Scorpion | Damon diadema | Arthropod | 15-25 |
| Tegu | Salvator merianae | Reptile | 90-130 |
| Tenrec | Echinops telfairi | Mammal | 13-17 |
| Tetra | Paracheirodon innesi | Fish | 3-4 |
| Tiger Barb | Puntigrus tetrazona | Fish | 5-7 |
| Tilapia | Oreochromis niloticus | Fish | 30-50 |
| Timor Finch | Taeniopygia guttata guttata | Bird | 9-10 |
| Tokay Gecko | Gekko gecko | Reptile | 25-35 |
| Tortoise | Testudo graeca | Reptile | 15-25 |
| Toucan | Ramphastos toco | Bird | 55-65 |
| Trapdoor Spider | Bothriocyrtum californicum | Arthropod | 2-5 |
| Trout | Oncorhynchus mykiss | Fish | 50-75 |
| Turaco | Tauraco erythrolophus | Bird | 45-50 |
| Turkey | Meleagris gallopavo | Bird | 100-125 |
| Turtle | Trachemys scripta elegans | Reptile | 15-30 |
Descriptions
Tadpole
The aquatic larval stage of a frog or toad. Tadpoles are often kept by students and hobbyists as fascinating educational “pets” to observe the remarkable process of metamorphosis into an adult frog.
Tang
A group of vibrant saltwater fish, also called surgeonfish, popular in marine aquariums. They are prized for their bright colors and algae-eating habits but require large tanks and specific care.
Tarantula
Large, hairy spiders kept as exotic pets. Many species, like the Mexican Redknee, are docile and low-maintenance, making them popular with invertebrate enthusiasts for their impressive size and long lifespans.
Tailless Whip Scorpion
A unique arachnid resembling a mix between a spider and a scorpion, but lacking venom. They are harmless, nocturnal, and have become popular as fascinating and easy-to-care-for exotic pets.
Tegu
Large, intelligent lizards from South America known for their powerful build and omnivorous diet. When socialized, they can become surprisingly tame and form strong bonds with their owners, behaving like scaly dogs.
Tenrec
Small, spiny mammals from Madagascar that resemble hedgehogs but are not related. The Lesser Hedgehog Tenrec is kept as an exotic pet, noted for its unique appearance and insect-based diet.
Tetra
A huge group of small, peaceful freshwater fish popular in community aquariums. Species like the Neon Tetra are famous for their iridescent stripes and are ideal for beginner aquarists due to their hardiness.
Tiger Barb
A popular and active freshwater aquarium fish known for its striped body and energetic behavior. They are best kept in schools of six or more to showcase their social dynamics and reduce nipping.
Tilapia
A hardy and fast-growing fish, primarily raised in aquaculture for food. It is also popular in large home aquaponics systems, where its waste provides nutrients for plants grown in the same water.
Timor Finch
A small, sociable finch closely related to the Zebra Finch. They are popular aviary birds, admired for their charming, quiet chirps and ease of care, making them great for beginner bird keepers.
Tokay Gecko
A large, nocturnal gecko from Asia, known for its vibrant spotted skin and a loud “to-kay” call. They have a feisty reputation but are popular with experienced keepers who admire their beauty.
Tortoise
Land-dwelling reptiles with a prominent shell, famous for their long lifespans and slow, deliberate movements. Many species are popular pets, requiring specialized care regarding diet, temperature, and UV lighting.
Toucan
Iconic tropical birds famous for their massive, colorful bills. While not common, some species are kept by experienced aviculturists who can provide a specialized fruit diet and a very large enclosure.
Trapdoor Spider
Ground-dwelling spiders known for building burrows with a camouflaged, hinged “trapdoor.” They are kept by some invertebrate hobbyists who appreciate their unique hunting behavior and reclusive nature.
Trout
A popular coldwater fish, widely farmed for food and sport. Rainbow Trout are sometimes kept in large, well-filtered garden ponds or aquaponics systems, valued for their beauty and activity.
Turaco
A group of colorful, medium-sized birds native to Africa. Kept in large aviaries by enthusiasts, they are prized for their stunning plumage, which features unique green and red pigments not found in other birds.
Turkey
A large domesticated bird native to North America, traditionally raised for its meat. Turkeys are also kept on farms and homesteads as poultry, known for their distinct gobbling calls and social flocks.
Turtle
Semi-aquatic reptiles, like the Red-Eared Slider, that are among the most common pet reptiles. They require an aquatic setup with a dry basking area, proper filtration, and a UV light source to thrive.