[By character count] Names of animals and living creatures that start with “gi”
What animals can you think of that start with “gi” (ぎ) in Japanese?
When it’s “ki” (き), you might think of kirin (giraffe) or kitsune (fox), but once it becomes the voiced “gi” (ぎ), it’s hard to come up with examples, isn’t it?
この文章では、「gi」（ぎ）で始まる動物たちを紹介します！
It seems that many creatures starting with “gi” are fish.
After reading this article, you won’t have trouble recalling animal names that begin with “gi.”
We’ve organized them by character count, so feel free to use this for animal-only shiritori or other word games.
- A must-see for anyone struggling with word games like shiritori! Animals that start with 'ro'
- [Unusual creatures too?] Animal names that start with “nu”
- [Word Chain / Word Play] Words that start with “gu”
- Brain-teasing game roundup
- Summary of the 12 animals featured in the animal fortune-telling
- Usable for Shiritori! A roundup of animals that start with “shi”
- Useful for word games and shiritori too! Animal names that start with “ko” (the “ko” sound)
- List of animals that start with “n”
- Didn't want to know?! Fascinating and scary trivia & fun facts
- Obscure fish kanji. Can you read them?
- Get the Fun Going! Easy Classroom Games You Can Play at School: Recreational Activities for the Whole Class
- [For Seniors] Boost Oral Function with Tongue Twisters! Recommended Picks to Try
- Fun activities for junior high school students. Recreation games.
5 characters (1–10)
Splendid alfonsino (golden eye snapper)
It’s a deep-sea fish that’s also used as an ingredient in processed fish products.
From its name, you might get the impression it’s similar to the splendid alfonsino, but it’s actually a different fish in many ways, including its classification and appearance.
spotted garden eel (Ginanago)
The spotted garden eel is a slender saltwater fish that grows to around 45 cm in length.
Its lean, mild white flesh is said to be delicious when made into tempura.
6 characters (1–10)
By-the-wind sailor (Velella)
A beautifully strange jellyfish with a silver-coin-like floating disc and blue tentacles.
It drifts gently at the sea’s surface, carried by the waves and the wind.
Ginguchibachi (Silver-mouthed Bee)
As the name suggests, it’s a wasp with a silvery mouth.
The Crabronidae subfamily called Gorytina includes many species, such as the genera Argentogorytes and Microstizus!
bigeye trevally (Caranx sexfasciatus)
The bigeye trevally, whose name comes from its silvery body that shines like it’s covered in foil.
It’s not only delicious but also puts up a strong fight, making it a favorite among anglers.
In conclusion
I introduced animals whose names start with “gi.” How was it? Even with a tricky syllable, there were surprisingly many animals once we looked, weren’t there? Some of them might not be very familiar. If any caught your interest, try searching for photos and have fun playing with words!