Let's learn the names of animals and creatures that start with 'yo'!
What animals come to mind that start with “yo”? If you limit yourself to mammals, some people may find it hard to think of any.
So in this article, we’ll introduce animals that start with “yo,” including birds, insects, and fish! We’ve picked out a wide variety, from animals whose names carry meanings like “night” or “four,” to those named after places.
Use them as prompts for word games like shiritori, or as ideas for trips to zoos and aquariums.
We’ll introduce them by character count, so be sure to check them out!
- Useful for word games and shiritori too! Animal names that start with “ko” (the “ko” sound)
- Recommended for upper elementary grades! Exciting indoor recreation and games
- Animals that start with “na.” For reference in a word game!
- List of animals that start with “n”
- [Unusual creatures too?] Animal names that start with “nu”
- Let's learn animal names! Animal names that start with 'mi'
- Animal riddles
- [Play Right Away!] Exciting Recreation Games Recommended for Elementary School Students
- A must-see for anyone struggling with word games like shiritori! Animals that start with 'ro'
- [By character count] Names of animals and living creatures that start with “gi”
- Usable for Shiritori! A roundup of animals that start with “shi”
- Animal names that start with “zu.” Perfect for shiritori and word game hints!
- What animal is this kanji? A quiz on difficult animal kanji.
5 characters (1–10)
pipefish
As its name suggests, it is a long, toothpick-like fish.
It lives along coastal areas throughout Japan and can grow to about 30 centimeters at its largest.
It is closely related to seahorses, and like seahorses, the males give birth.
Because it is so slender and has little edible flesh, it is not used as food, but its unique appearance makes it popular in aquariums and similar venues.
6 characters (1–10)
shortfin mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus)
This shark, which is about 2 to 3 meters long, might not sound familiar by name alone, but it’s used as an ingredient in springy kamaboko and hanpen.
It’s also used as a raw material for shark fin.
It’s difficult to keep in aquariums, and even at best it survives a little over two years.
four-eyed box jellyfish
Also known as the moon jelly, the most popular type of jellyfish is the aurelia (literally “four-eyed jellyfish” in Japanese).
Many people find its drifting form in the water soothing.
That said, if you get stung, the area can turn red and is said to take about ten days to heal.
This jellyfish is commonly encountered in the ocean, but when it blooms in excessive numbers it can cause problems, such as reducing fish catches and clogging power plant outfalls and intake ports.
Armored mouse (Yoroi-nezumi)
When it comes to the Japanese name for the armadillo, many people might recognize it.
It is said to be the only mammal with a shell, and that shell is reputed to be hard enough to deflect bullets.
The charango, a traditional musical instrument from the Andes, was originally made from an armadillo’s shell.
Atlas moth (Yamamay silk moth)
The Atlas moth is a species of moth and has been designated a Natural Monument by Okinawa Prefecture.
It’s quite large, and in the Yonaguni dialect it’s called Ayamihabiru, meaning “patterned butterfly.” After it emerges, it cannot eat anything and is said to die in about a week.
How fleeting.
8 characters (1–10)
four-horned antelope (Tetracerus quadricornis)
It’s a bovine species native to India, also known as the four-horned antelope.
You can think of it as resembling a small deer or serow.
As its name suggests, it has four horns.
Due to habitat loss and hunting, it has been designated as an endangered species.
Yorkshire Terrier
A breed of dog affectionately known as the Yorkie, it is characterized by a silky, pleasant-to-the-touch coat.
Because this hair keeps growing, regular grooming is necessary.
A Yorkie with a trim and its bangs tied up with a ribbon looks absolutely adorable.
It’s no wonder the breed has been popular since the Showa era.