[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.
4 letters (1–10)
chimaera (rabbit fish); literally “silver shark”
It is a species of poisonous shark said to inhabit the northwestern Pacific and other areas.
It is sometimes caught in bottom trawls and has been designated as an endangered species.
Silver pigeon
It’s the term for a turtle dove that has turned white.
You might find it easier to understand if you think of the kind of dove that often appears in magic tricks.
5 characters (1–10)
Ginyanma (Asian grand emperor dragonfly)
It is a species of dragonfly that inhabits a wide range of regions, including East Asia, with Japan as one of its habitats.
Although it is a species found throughout the country, its numbers are declining in some areas and it has been designated as Near Threatened.
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!