Here you’ll find 9 Pets and domestic animals that start with Z, from “Zebra cichlid” to “Zigzag eel”. Many entries are popular aquarium fish and small companion birds, while a few like the zebu serve as livestock.

Pets and domestic animals that start with Z are species people keep for companionship, work, display, or production. For example, the zebu shaped farming and transport across South Asia for centuries.

Below you’ll find the table with scientific name, size (cm), and classification.

Scientific name: The Latin binomial helps you confirm the exact species and avoid common-name confusion.

Size (cm): Typical adult length or height in centimeters lets you judge space and care needs.

Classification: Broad group (Mammal, Bird, Reptile, Fish, Arthropod) that shows basic biology and care style.

Pets and domestic animals that start with Z

NameScientific nameTypical adult size (cm)Classification
ZebuBos indicus110–150 cmMammal
ZebrafishDanio rerio3–5 cmFish
Zebra finchTaeniopygia guttata10–11 cmBird
Zebra doveGeopelia striata20–23 cmBird
Zebra plecoHypancistrus zebra10–12 cmFish
Zebra loachYasuhikotakia striata10–12 cmFish
Zebra cichlidMetriaclima zebra10–15 cmFish
Zigzag eelMastacembelus armatus40–60 cmFish
Zebra jumping spiderSalticus scenicus0.5–0.8 cmArthropod

Descriptions

Zebu
Hump-backed domestic cattle from South Asia kept for milk, meat and draft; hardy in hot climates and widely domesticated.
Zebrafish
Small, striped freshwater aquarium fish and laboratory model; hardy, easy to keep and very popular with beginner aquarists.
Zebra finch
Tiny, social seed-eating bird commonly kept in aviaries; easy to breed, vocal and a classic pet finch.
Zebra dove
Slender, softly cooing dove often kept as a cage bird in parts of Asia; calm, ground-foraging and easy to care for.
Zebra pleco
Striking black-and-white-striped loricariid catfish prized by aquarists; peaceful but requires pristine water and hiding places.
Zebra loach
Striped, active bottom-dweller popular in community tanks; prefers groups and rocky habitats in aquaria.
Zebra cichlid
African mbuna cichlid with bold striping; a colorful, territorial species kept by experienced cichlid hobbyists.
Zigzag eel
Elongated spiny eel (often called zigzag or tire-track eel) kept in large freshwater tanks; nocturnal and secretive.
Zebra jumping spider
Small, black-and-white patterned jumping spider sometimes kept by enthusiasts; active visual hunter and entertaining to observe.
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