Here you’ll find 12 Small animals that start with Q that begin with Q, organized from “Quagga mussel” to “Quokka”. Many are tiny mammals, mollusks, or amphibians, and this list is useful for pet owners, students, and quick species reference.

Small animals that start with Q are species named with Q and typically weigh under about five kilograms. Notably, the quokka became famous for friendly “selfies”, while the quagga mussel is known as a damaging invasive.

Below you’ll find the table with Common name, Scientific name, Habitat, Lifespan.

Common name: Everyday name you recognize; use it to search, compare care needs, and find species information quickly.

Scientific name: Latin binomial that uniquely identifies the species; use it to avoid confusion between similar common names.

Habitat: Short habitat phrase showing where the species lives, helping you understand its natural environment and conservation context.

Lifespan: Typical lifespan or range to set expectations for care, study duration, or long-term species planning.

Small animals that start with Q

Common nameScientific nameHabitatLifespan
Quail-ploverOrtyxelos meiffreniiSahel & Sahara; dry grassland and scrub5–8 years
Quaker parrotMyiopsitta monachusSouth America; woodlands, savanna and urban areas20–30 years
QuokkaSetonix brachyurusSouthwestern Australia; coastal scrub and heath10–15 years
Queen snakeRegina septemvittataEastern North America; streams, rivers and wetlands6–10 years
Queen butterflyDanaus gilippusAmericas; open fields, gardens and edges2–4 weeks
Queen Alexandra’s birdwingOrnithoptera alexandraePapua New Guinea; lowland rainforest1–2 months
Quagga musselDreissena bugensisEurasia & North America; freshwater lakes and rivers2–5 years
QuillbackCarpiodes cyprinusNorth America; rivers and lakes with slow currents8–12 years
QuillfishPtilichthys goodeiNorth Pacific; rocky coastal waters and kelp beds5–8 years
Queen angelfishHolacanthus ciliarisWestern Atlantic; coral reefs and rocky reefs15–20 years
Queen triggerfishBalistes vetulaWestern Atlantic; coral reefs and lagoons10–15 years
QuendaIsoodon obesulusSouthern Australia; heathland, woodland and urban bushland2–4 years

Descriptions

Quail-plover
Cryptic, ground-dwelling bird about 20–25 cm long; nocturnal and hard to spot, not kept as a pet, adapted to arid African grasslands.
Quaker parrot
Small, stocky parrot (~120–200 g, 28–32 cm) commonly kept as a talking pet; social, build communal stick nests.
Quokka
Small wallaby (~2.5–5 kg), famous for a “smiling” face; nocturnal herbivore, tourist-favorite but not a typical pet.
Queen snake
Slender, semi-aquatic snake 40–80 cm long that feeds mainly on crayfish; shy and rarely kept in captivity.
Queen butterfly
Orange-brown milkweed butterfly similar to the monarch; caterpillars feed on milkweeds, adults are short-lived.
Queen Alexandra’s birdwing
World’s largest butterfly by wingspan but tiny in mass; striking iridescent wings, endangered and not a pet species.
Quagga mussel
Small invasive bivalve that fouls infrastructure and filters large water volumes; notable for rapid population growth.
Quillback
Freshwater sucker 30–60 cm long with a long, sharp dorsal spine; occasional bycatch for anglers, not common aquarium fish.
Quillfish
Slender, eel-like fish up to ~60 cm; uncommon in hobby aquaria, adapted to cold coastal habitats.
Queen angelfish
Brightly colored reef fish ~25–45 cm; popular in large marine aquaria but needs specialized care.
Queen triggerfish
Bold, laterally compressed reef fish up to ~60 cm with powerful jaws; eats hard-shelled invertebrates, suited for experienced aquarists.
Quenda
Small bandicoot (~0.7–1.5 kg) active at night; important soil-turning omnivore, sometimes called the southern brown bandicoot.
If you think there is a missing term, let us know using the contact form.