Let's learn animal names! Animal names that start with 'mi'
What kinds of animals start with “mi”? It can be hard to think of them on the spot, but if you look beyond mammals to birds and insects, you’ll find there are surprisingly many! In this article, we’ve picked out animals that start with “mi.” We’ve gathered a wide range—from creatures you often see in daily life to rarer ones—so it’s a great way to learn new animal names.
They’re introduced by character count, so feel free to use this for word games like shiritori, too!
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4 letters (1–10)
common octopus (mizudako, literally “water octopus”; often refers to the North Pacific giant octopus)
The mizudako is the largest species of octopus.
As its name suggests, its flesh is high in moisture and notably tender.
It thrives in cold regions and, in Japan, inhabits seas north of the Tohoku area.
5 characters (1–10)
moon jellyfish
The moon jellyfish is one of the most common jellyfish species found in Japan.
Although it is weaker compared to other types of jellyfish, it does have venom, so being stung can cause pain.
Red-eared slider (Midori-game)
The “midori-game” (literally, green turtle) is a very popular turtle kept as a pet.
In fact, “midori-game” is not an official name; it’s a generic term that includes species like the red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans).
Since 2023, it has been designated a conditionally specified invasive alien species in Japan, and releasing it into the wild or selling it is now regulated.
Mizura Mole (Kakugami Doragon)
The Mizura mole is a species of mole native to Japan.
It inhabits Honshu, but its numbers are not large, and it appears to be a rare species.
Lionfish (Pterois)
The lionfish is a marine species that grows to around 25 cm.
Because it has venomous spines on its dorsal fin, many fishing enthusiasts may know it as a dangerous fish.
6 characters (1–10)
Mimmin cicada (Mimmin semi)
When people hear the sound of cicadas, many probably think of the call of the min-min cicada, don’t they? In fact, the calls of min-min cicadas living in Japan differ from those of min-min cicadas living in China and on the Korean Peninsula.
mule deer
It’s a member of the deer family that lives around places like the Rocky Mountains in the United States.
The “mule” in its name refers to the hybrid offspring of a male donkey and a female horse, known as a mule in English.
The name “mule deer” was given because its ears resemble those of a mule.