Usable for Shiritori! A roundup of animals that start with “shi”
When it comes to animals that start with “shi,” the first ones that come to mind are often shika (deer) and shimauma (zebra).
So, what other animals are there?
In this article, we introduce animals that start with “shi” that you can use for word games like shiritori.
We’ve gathered a variety—from familiar animals you might see at zoos and aquariums to those you may know by name but rarely get a chance to see.
If you can’t think of anything besides shika (deer) and shimauma (zebra), be sure to use this as a reference!
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- Animal names that start with “zu.” Perfect for shiritori and word game hints!
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- [Unusual creatures too?] Animal names that start with “nu”
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- Animal riddles
- [For Adults] Fun recreational games. Perfect for short breaks too!
4 letters (1–10)
Egret (Shirasagi)
Shirasagi is a general term for birds in the heron family whose bodies are almost entirely white.
Himeji Castle, one of Japan’s most famous castles and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is also known as the White Heron Castle because its appearance resembles a white heron spreading its wings in flight.
Shishamo (spawning smelt)
Shishamo is a fish that lives in large numbers in cold waters such as the northern Sea of Japan and the Sea of Okhotsk.
Its name is said to come from the Ainu words “susu-ham” or “shushu-hamo,” meaning “willow-leaf fish.” If your dad enjoys a drink, he might be fond of roe-bearing shishamo, while junior and senior high school students are probably more familiar with the rock band SHISHAMO.
5 characters (1–10)
Archaeopteryx (the first bird)
Do you know the bird called Archaeopteryx? It’s written as 「始祖鳥」 and pronounced “Shisochō.” It has characteristics of both birds and reptiles, making it an invaluable presence essential to the theory of evolution.
Beluga (white dolphin)
The beluga whale is a large dolphin that mainly inhabits the Arctic Ocean, characterized by its pure white, bulky body and endearing facial expression.
With no dorsal fin and a large, rounded head, it looks quite different from other dolphins.
In Japan, it’s said that you can see belugas at only three aquariums: in Chiba, Yokohama, and Nagoya.
Long-tailed tit (Shima-enaga)
It’s a bird in the family Aegithalidae that looks like a tiny ball of yarn.
Thanks to its fluffy, puffy form, it often gets featured on TV.
This cute bird is also known as the “snow fairy.”
6 characters (1–10)
Japanese tit (Parus minor)
It is a small bird found all around the world, including in Asia and Europe.
There is even an anecdote that its name, shijukara (Japanese tit), comes from the way its call sounds like “jijiji” or “jiju.”
Electric eel
It’s an eel that lives in the Amazon in South America and generates electricity.
It is said to discharge when attacking prey or escaping from predators.
Because of this unique trait, it often appears in manga and other media.