Here you’ll find 27 Small animals that start with G, organized from “Gambel’s quail” to “Guppy”. This selection mixes common pets, widespread wild species, and classroom-friendly examples for study or care.
Small animals that start with G are small vertebrates and invertebrates whose common names begin with the letter G. Notably, guppies became popular aquarium fish in the nineteenth century for their bright colors and easy breeding.
Below you’ll find the table with Common name, Scientific name, Habitat, and Lifespan.
Common name: The name you will recognize and search for; it helps you match species to pet care, sightings, or classroom examples.
Scientific name: Provides the Latin binomial so you can confirm exact species identity and locate detailed references or conservation status.
Habitat: Summarizes typical environments where the animal lives, helping you understand its natural range and likely sightings or care needs.
Lifespan: Gives an average adult lifespan or range so you can compare species longevity and plan pet care or study timelines.
Small animals that start with G
| Common name | Scientific name | Habitat | Average adult size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guinea pig | Cavia porcellus | grasslands, South America | 700–1,200 g; 20–30 cm |
| Goldfish | Carassius auratus | freshwater ponds, global (introduced) | 30–500 g; 4–30 cm |
| Golden hamster | Mesocricetus auratus | semi-arid steppes, Syria region | 80–150 g; 12–18 cm |
| Gargoyle gecko | Rhacodactylus auriculatus | humid forests, New Caledonia | 40–100 g; 12–20 cm |
| Green anole | Anolis carolinensis | woodlands, southeastern North America | 3–15 g; 12–20 cm |
| Gray mouse lemur | Microcebus murinus | dry forests, Madagascar | 60–90 g; 12–17 cm |
| Garden dormouse | Eliomys quercinus | woodlands and hedgerows, Europe | 80–150 g; 12–20 cm |
| Golden-mantled ground squirrel | Callospermophilus lateralis | mountain forests, western North America | 150–300 g; 20–30 cm |
| Goldcrest | Regulus regulus | coniferous forests, Europe | 4–7 g; 8–9 cm |
| Goldfinch | Carduelis carduelis | open woodlands and gardens, Europe | 14–20 g; 12–14 cm |
| Gambian pouched rat | Cricetomys gambianus | savannas, West Africa | 800–1,500 g; 40–80 cm (incl. tail) |
| Gouldian finch | Erythrura gouldiae | woodlands, northern Australia | 10–15 g; 12–14 cm |
| Greenfinch | Chloris chloris | woodlands and gardens, Europe | 18–24 g; 14–16 cm |
| Green heron | Butorides virescens | wetlands and marshes, Americas | 200–400 g; 40–45 cm |
| Gila woodpecker | Melanerpes uropygialis | desert scrub, southwestern North America | 60–90 g; 20–23 cm |
| Golden-crowned kinglet | Regulus satrapa | coniferous forests, North America | 5–8 g; 8–11 cm |
| Gambel’s quail | Callipepla gambelii | arid scrublands, southwestern North America | 150–200 g; 22–26 cm |
| Great tit | Parus major | woodlands and gardens, Europe & Asia | 16–21 g; 12–16 cm |
| Green-cheeked conure | Pyrrhura molinae | woodlands, South America | 60–100 g; 26–30 cm |
| Guppy | Poecilia reticulata | freshwater streams, northern South America | 0.5–5 g; 2–6 cm |
| Glass catfish | Kryptopterus vitreolus | slow rivers, Southeast Asia | 10–30 g; 8–12 cm |
| Green darner | Anax junius | ponds and marshes, North America | ~300–700 mg; 6–8 cm |
| Green frog | Lithobates clamitans | ponds and wetlands, eastern North America | 30–120 g; 6–10 cm |
| Gray treefrog | Dryophytes versicolor | woodlands, eastern North America | 6–22 g; 3–6 cm |
| Green lizard | Lacerta viridis | temperate grasslands, Europe | 20–50 g; 20–30 cm |
| Greater mouse-eared bat | Myotis myotis | caves and forests, Europe | 20–45 g; 7–9 cm |
| Green woodpecker | Picus viridis | woodlands and parks, Europe | 140–200 g; 30–33 cm |
Descriptions
Guinea pig
Domesticated, social rodent commonly kept as a pet. Lifespan typically 4–8 years. Friendly, vocal, with many coat varieties; wild relatives face habitat pressures.
Goldfish
Classic aquarium and pond fish. Lifespan commonly 5–15 years, some over 30 years in ponds. Hardy omnivore with many domestic varieties.
Golden hamster
Solitary, nocturnal pet rodent popular with beginners. Lifespan typically 2–3 years in captivity. Active chewers and burrowers.
Gargoyle gecko
Arboreal nocturnal gecko prized in the reptile hobby. Lifespan 15–20 years in captivity. Distinctive head bumps and varied patterns.
Green anole
Small arboreal lizard known for color change. Lifespan typically 3–5 years. Common in gardens and occasionally kept as a pet.
Gray mouse lemur
Tiny nocturnal primate with large eyes. Lifespan 8–12 years in captivity. Small, agile; conservation varies with habitat loss.
Garden dormouse
Nocturnal, omnivorous rodent with a bushy tail. Lifespan typically 3–6 years. Rare in parts of its range; sometimes kept by specialists.
Golden-mantled ground squirrel
Diurnal ground squirrel with cheek pouches. Lifespan 3–6 years. Often seen near campsites storing seeds and nuts.
Goldcrest
Europe’s smallest bird and an active insectivore. Lifespan 2–3 years (up to 7). Tiny, energetic, not a pet.
Goldfinch
Colorful, seed-eating songbird. Lifespan 3–4 years wild. Frequently visits garden feeders; valued by birders.
Gambian pouched rat
Large rodent used for detection work and sometimes kept as an exotic pet. Lifespan 5–8 years in captivity. Can become invasive where introduced.
Gouldian finch
Vibrant small finch popular in aviaries. Lifespan 4–8 years. Wild populations have declined; widely bred in captivity.
Greenfinch
Chunky finch with greenish plumage. Lifespan 2–5 years. Common at seed feeders; population declines in some regions.
Green heron
Small, stocky heron that fishes from perches. Lifespan 6–8 years. Secretive; not kept as a pet.
Gila woodpecker
Desert woodpecker often nesting in cacti. Lifespan 5–7 years. Eats insects and cactus fruit; adapted to arid habitats.
Golden-crowned kinglet
Tiny insectivorous songbird with a bright crown. Lifespan 2–6 years. Extremely active and high-metabolism.
Gambel’s quail
Ground-dwelling quail often found in coveys. Lifespan 2–8 years. Sometimes kept in aviaries; common in its range.
Great tit
Adaptable, common songbird that uses nest boxes. Lifespan 2–3 years wild (up to 11). Bold at feeders and easy to observe.
Green-cheeked conure
Small parrot popular as a companion bird. Lifespan 10–25 years. Playful and social; common in aviculture.
Guppy
Colorful livebearing aquarium fish. Lifespan 2–3 years. Easy to breed and a staple of home aquaria.
Glass catfish
Transparent-bodied schooling aquarium fish. Lifespan 5–8 years. Shy and prefers groups; popular in community tanks.
Green darner
Large dragonfly often seen migrating. Lifespan ~1 year including aquatic nymph stage; adults live weeks to months. Striking flyer.
Green frog
Common pond frog that calls loudly in summer. Lifespan 2–7 years. Frequently encountered near water.
Gray treefrog
Small treefrog notable for color-shifting skin. Lifespan 2–5 years. Nocturnal and tree-dwelling.
Green lizard
Active diurnal lizard often found in sunny spots. Lifespan 5–7 years. Bold, commonly seen basking on rocks.
Greater mouse-eared bat
Insectivorous bat that roosts in caves. Lifespan 5–14 years. Protected in many countries; not suitable as a pet.
Green woodpecker
Ground-foraging woodpecker that feeds on ants. Lifespan 3–6 years. Loud call and distinctive green plumage.