15 Animals That Start With 'C': From Cassowaries to Caimans

Capybaras are the largest rodents on the planet. Kevin Schafer / Getty Images

The animal kingdom is full of countless captivating creatures, and today we’re concentrating on animals that start with "C."

Some of these animals beginning with "C" are mammals. Others are birds, reptiles, fish or invertebrates. Let’s go down a list of animal names that start with "C."

4 Mammals That Start With 'C'

1. Cat

The cat might be the first animal starting with C that many think of. Cats are small, furry, purry creatures that are common pets.

2. Cheetah

Another "C" animal is the cheetah, one of the fastest land animals. They can reach speeds of up to 70 miles per hour (113 km/h). These big cats rely on their speed and agility to escape predators and chase down prey. Their lightweight body allows for maximum acceleration.

3. Capybara

Native to Central America and South America, the capybara is the largest rodent in the world. Their body weight is comparable to a small or medium-sized dog. These semiaquatic mammals are highly social and often seen lounging in the water to stay cool.

4. Chipmunk

These small rodents are known for their cheek pouches, which they use to store food. Chipmunks are active during the breeding season and play a vital role in forest ecosystems by dispersing seeds.

3 Birds That Start With 'C'

1. Cockatiel

Known for their playful personalities and ability to mimic sounds, cockatiels are social birds and one of the most popular pets among bird enthusiasts.

2. Canada Goose

One of the most recognizable common birds, the Canada goose is known for its loud honking and impressive migratory patterns. These social birds form strong family bonds and return to the same breeding grounds each year.

3. Cassowary

The cassowary is a large, flightless bird native to Australia and New Guinea. While they may look prehistoric, these birds are vital to forest ecosystems by spreading seeds through their digestive tracts.

2 Reptiles That Start With 'C'

1. Carpet Python

Carpet pythons are nonvenomous snakes that use constriction to subdue their prey. Found in Australia and New Guinea, they have a calm temperament and are often kept as exotic pets.

2. Corn Snake

Corn snakes are popular pets due to their calm temperament and ease of care. These nonvenomous snakes help control rodent populations and are often found in farmlands.

4 Fish and Other Aquatic Animals That Start With 'C'

1. Clownfish

Made famous by animated movies (hello, "Finding Nemo"), clownfish are social fish that live among sea anemones for protection. Their mutual relationship with anemones helps both species survive in coral reef ecosystems.

2. Catfish

Catfish are bottom-dwelling fish found in freshwater habitats around the world. Many species use their whisker-like barbels to navigate murky waters and find food among decaying plant matter.

3. Coelacanth

A true living fossil, the coelacanth was once thought to be extinct until it was rediscovered in the 20th century. These deep-sea fish have unique, lobed fins that resemble the limbs of early land vertebrates.

4. Caiman

Closely related to alligators, caimans are powerful reptiles found in Central America and South America. They are skilled ambush predators, dangerous to fish and other small animals.

2 Arthropods and Invertebrates That Start With C

1. Coconut Crab

The coconut crab is the largest terrestrial arthropod and is famous for its ability to crack open coconuts with its powerful claws. These crabs primarily feed on decaying plant matter and small animals.

2. Common House Spider

House spiders are found in homes worldwide and help control insect populations. While their webs may be a nuisance, they are beneficial in reducing pests.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.