31 Animals with Funny Names and Weird Sounding Names: Humor in Nature

Have you ever heard of a creature called the ‘Blue Footed Booby’ or the ‘Screaming Hairy Armadillo’? It might sound like I’m making these up, but I promise I’m not! Our world is full of animals with names that are pretty funny or weird to us humans.

In this article, I will introduce you to some of the funniest ones that I have come across. I’ll also provide pictures of some of these animals for you to get an idea of why they are so funny. With some it’s just in the name, but with others, they can look pretty strange too!

Some of these animals with funny names might make you do a double-take. Some of these names are descriptive of the animal’s appearance or behavior while others might be a bit more on the humorous side.

Ready? Good, let’s go!

List of Animals with Funny Names and Weird Names

These are just a few of the many animals out there with interesting-sounding names:

Agra Cadabra

The name Agra Cadabra is a play on the famous magic words “Abracadabra“.

Agra is a genus of beetles in the family Carabidae, the ground beetles. There are over 500 described species, but there are well over 1000 specimens in collections that have not yet been described. The common name elegant canopy beetles have been used for the genus Agra.

The Agra Cadabra was named by Erwin in 1986.

They are predominantly found in the Neotropical region.
The beetles are known for their elongated bodies.
They are nocturnal creatures.
Their diet mainly consists of other insects.
The beetles are known for their fast running and digging speed.

Blue Footed Booby

The blue-footed booby is a large seabird that is found in the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. They are known for their bright blue feet and amusing dancing rituals.

The blue-footed booby gets its name from the Spanish word bobo, which means “stupid” or “clown”. This is likely due to their comical appearance and awkward movements on land. They were first described by Milne-Edwards in 1882.

They lay up to three eggs at a time.
The males perform a dance to attract females, which includes showing off their blue feet.
Their diet mainly consists of fish and squid.
They can dive from great heights to catch prey.
Blue Footed Boobies can live up to 17 years.

Blob Fish

The blobfish is a deep-sea fish, a member of the Psychrolutidae family, that is found in the waters off the coast of Australia. They are known for their strange, jelly-like bodies and sad expressions. Their flesh is mostly composed of a gel-like substance that helps them to stay buoyant in the water.

They live at depths between 600 and 1,200 meters.
Blobfish don’t have a swim bladder, an air-filled sac that other fish use to float.
They eat edible matter that floats in front of them due to the high pressure in the deep sea.
Blobfish are not hunted by humans but are often caught in bottom trawling nets.
They are commonly referred to as the “ugliest animal” or “ugliest fish in the world.”

Sarcastic Fringehead

The sarcastic fringehead is a fish that is found in the waters off the coast of California. They are known for their large mouths and aggressive behavior. The sarcastic fringehead gets its name from its habit of sticking its head out of holes in rocks and waving it around in a threatening manner.

They can grow up to 30 centimeters in length.
When two males fight for territory, they press their distended mouths against each other.
Sarcastic Fringeheads live in burrows and are known to be very territorial.
They are named for their temperament, as ‘sarcastic’ refers to their aggressive nature.
Their mostly eat crustaceans, cephalopods, and other small fish.

Spiny Lumpsucker

The spiny lumpsucker is a species of spiny fish that is found in the waters of the North Pacific and Arctic. They are known for their strange, spherical bodies and the large spines that protrude from them. The spiny lumpsucker gets its name from its unusual appearance and the fact that it often hides amongst rocks.

They have a modified pelvic fin that forms a suction cup, allowing them to stick to surfaces.
Spiny Lumpsuckers are poor swimmers.
They are found in cold waters, usually in rocky coastal areas.
Their diet consists of small invertebrates.
Males guard the eggs after females lay them.

Pink Fairy Armadillo

The pink fairy armadillo is the smallest species of armadillo, measuring just 90-115 mm in length. They are found in dry grasslands and sandy plains in central Argentina. These unusual creatures are well-known for their pretty pink shell and their ability to roll up into a tight ball.

The name “pink fairy armadillo” comes from their small size, delicate features, and light pink coloration. They were first described by Richard Harlan in 1825.

They are also known as “Pichiciego”, their local name in Argentina.
Pink Fairy Armadillos are solitary animals.
They have the ability to bury themselves completely in a matter of seconds if threatened.
Their diet consists of ants, plant matter, and worms.
They are nocturnal creatures.

Fried Egg Jellyfish

Fried egg jellyfish are not eggs!

The fried egg jellyfish is a very large, translucent species of jellyfish that is mainly found in the waters off the coast of Japan. They get their name from their resemblance to a fried egg, with a white center and orange “yolk”. Their tentacles can measure over 6m (20 feet in length).

They are also known as “Egg Yolk Jellyfish“.
Their sting is mild and not harmful to humans.
Fried Egg Jellyfish can reach a diameter of up to 60 cm.
You can find them in the Sea of Japan and the Sea of Okhotsk.
Their diet consists of plankton, small fish, and other jellyfish.

Satanic Leaf-Tailed Gecko

With one of the creepiest names out there, the Satanic leaf-tailed gecko is a species of gecko that is found on the island of Madagascar. They are known for their unusual appearance, with a long tail and large eyes. The Satanic leaf-tailed gecko gets its name from its resemblance to a devil or demon.

They have the ability to change their skin color to blend with their surroundings.
Satanic Leaf-Tailed Geckos are nocturnal creatures.
They have a unique tail that resembles a leaf, aiding in camouflage.
Their diet consists of insects and spiders.
They are endemic to Madagascar.

Star-Nosed Mole

The star-nosed mole is a small, burrowing mammal that is found in the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada. They are known for their strange nose, which is covered in 22 pink, fleshy “tentacles” that they use to sniff out prey.

The name “star-nosed mole” comes from their unique nose.

They are excellent swimmers and can forage along the bottoms of streams and ponds.
The star-nosed mole’s “star” is the most sensitive known touch organ of any mammal.
They eat small invertebrates, aquatic insects, worms, and mollusks.
Star-Nosed Moles are known to be very fast eaters.
They are found in North America, in wet lowland areas.

Hummingbird Hawk Moth

The hummingbird hawk moth is a small moth that is found in Europe and North Africa. They are known for their ability to hover in mid-air like a hummingbird, as well as their long proboscis, which they use to drink nectar from flowers.

The name “hummingbird hawkmoth” comes from their resemblance to a hummingbird.

They are known for their rapid wingbeat and ability to hover, similar to hummingbirds.
Hummingbird Hawk Moths migrate over long distances and are found in a wide region including Europe, Asia, and Africa.
They have a long proboscis that they use to drink nectar from flowers.
Their wingspan is approximately 50-58 mm.
They are most active during the day, especially in bright sunlight.

Boops Boops

The Boops Boops is a type of sea bream that is found in the Eastern Atlantic. They are known for their large eyes and protruding “lips”.

The name “boops boops” comes from the Ancient Greek word meaning “Cow Eye”.

They are also known as “Bogue”.
Boops Boops are found in the Mediterranean Sea and the Eastern Atlantic Ocean.
They can grow up to 36 cm in length.
Their diet consists of small fish, mollusks, and plankton.
They are often used in Mediterranean cuisine.

Aye Aye

The aye-aye is a nocturnal, arboreal primate that is found only on the island of Madagascar. They are the world’s largest nocturnal primate and are known for their long fingers, which they use to tap on tree branches to find insects to eat.

The name “aye-aye” comes from their distinctive call, which sounds like “aye-aye.”

They are the largest nocturnal primate.
Aye Ayes have a unique method of finding food called percussive foraging, where they tap on trees to find grubs, then gnaw holes in the wood and insert their narrow middle finger to pull the grubs out.
They are considered a symbol of bad luck in some cultures in Madagascar.
Aye Ayes have a lifespan of up to 20 years in the wild.
They are currently listed as endangered due to habitat destruction and hunting.

Screaming Hairy Armadillo

The screaming hairy armadillo is a small, burrowing mammal that is found in the dry forests of Central and South America. They are known for their loud, screeching calls and the long hairs that cover their bodies. The name “screaming hairy armadillo” comes from their unusual appearance and the fact they squeal when handled.

They are the smallest species of armadillo.
Screaming Hairy Armadillos get their name from the sound they make when threatened.
These armadillos are found across areas of South America, particularly Argentina, Bolivia, and Paraguay.
Their diet consists of insects, vertebrates, plants, and some fruits.
They have a lifespan averaging 7-10 years in the wild.

Dik-Dik

The dik-dik is a small antelope that is found in the savannas of Africa. They are known for their long, slender legs and their distinctive call, which sounds like “dik-dik.”

They are one of the smallest antelope species.
Dik-Diks mark their territory with secretions from glands located near their eyes.
They are monogamous animals, with pairs forming lifelong bonds.
Their diet consists of leaves, fruits, berries, and shoots.
They can live up to 10 years in the wild.

Frilled-Necked Lizard

The frilled-necked lizard is a species of lizard that is found around Oceania. They are known for their large, frilled neck and their ability to run on two legs.

They are also known as the Frilled Dragon.
Frilled-Necked Lizards can stand on their hind legs and run.
They display their frill when scared or territorial.
Their diet consists of insects, spiders, and small mammals.
They are found in Northern Australia, Indonesia and Southern New Guinea.

Red Footed Booby

The Red-footed Booby bird is the smallest of the “booby birds” at 71 centimetres in length and a 137 centimetre wingspan. It has red legs and the bill and throat pouch are colored pink and blue.

The Red-footed Booby bird has two plumage forms. The white phase is basically white with black on the flight feathers. The brown form is brown with a white belly rump and tail. Both forms may occur together, as in the breeding colony on St. Giles Island, Tobago.

They are the smallest of all booby species.
Red Footed Boobies can have different color morphs, including brown and white.
They nest in trees or shrubs, unlike other booby species.
Their diet mainly consists of fish and squid.
They live in tropical and subtropical regious around the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, including the Galapagos Islands.

Gorilla Gorilla Gorilla

Gorilla Gorilla Gorilla is the scientific name for the subspecies of Gorilla the West Lowlands Gorilla. This subspecies of Gorilla is found at low altitudes in Cameroon, Central African Republic, Gabon, Congo, and Equatorial Guinea.

They are the most numerous and widespread of all gorilla subspecies.
Despite this, they are critically endangered due to habitat loss and poaching.
They live in family groups led by a dominant male, known as a silverback.
They eat fruits, leaves, and small invertebrates.
They have a lifespan averaging between 30-40 years in the wild, with some older individuals known to reach into their 50’s.

Ice Cream Cone Worm

The Ice Cream Cone Worm is a type of sea cucumber that is found in the Pacific Ocean. They get their name from their shape, which resembles an ice cream cone.

Sometimes mistaken for Parchment Tube Worms.
Ice Cream Cone Worms live in tubes made of mud or sand.
They are found in the intertidal zones of the Pacific Ocean.
Their diet consists of organic particles and plankton.
They can retract into their tubes when threatened.

Leafy Seadragon

The Leafy Seadragon is a type of dragonfish that is found in the waters off Australia. They are known for their long, leaf-like appendages, which they use to camouflage themselves in the seaweed.

They are closely related to seahorses and pipefish.
Leafy Seadragons are found along the southern and western coasts of Australia.
Their leaf-like appendages provide excellent camouflage.
Their diet consists of small crustaceans and plankton.
They are protected by law in Australia due to threats from pollution and habitat loss.

Narwhal

The narwhal is a marine mammal similar to a whale, that is found in the Arctic waters of Canada, Greenland, and Russia. They are known for their long tusks, which can grow up to 11 feet (three meters) in length.

The long tusk of the Narwhal is actually a tooth.
They are found in the cold, Arctic waters.
Narwhals travel in groups and can dive deep to catch their prey.
Their diet consists of fish, shrimp, and squid.
They are one of the deepest diving marine mammals.

Mountain Chicken

It’s a frog, not a chicken!

The mountain chicken frog is a critically endangered species of frog that is found in the Caribbean. It is the largest frog in the region and is known for its strange name. The frog was once hunted for food, but it is now protected by law.

Despite its name, the Mountain Chicken is definitely not a chicken!
Mountain Chickens are critically endangered due to habitat loss and disease.
Live on the Caribbean islands of Dominica and Montserrat.
Eat mostly insects, small invertebrates, and even other frogs.
One of the largest frog species in the world.

Red-Lipped Batfish

The red-lipped batfish is a weird-looking creature that resides in the deep waters off the coast of the Galapagos. This fish is often called a “walking batfish” because it uses its fins to “walk” on the ocean floor. In addition to its strange appearance, this fish also has a very unique name.

They are found around the Galapagos Islands and off Peru.
Red-Lipped Batfish are known for their bright red lips.
They use their pectoral fins to “walk” on the ocean floor.
Their diet consists of small fish and invertebrates.
They have a lure on their heads to attract prey.

Shoebill

The shoebill is a large wading bird that is found in Africa. They are known for their long, curved beaks and their distinctive call, which sounds like “shoebill.”

They are found in East Africa in large swamps.
Shoebills are named for their shoe-shaped bill.
Mostly eat fish, but they also eat amphibians, reptiles, and small mammals.
They can stand over 4 feet tall with a wingspan over 8 feet.
Shoebills are known for their slow movements and tendency to stay still for long periods.

Tasmanian Devil

The Tasmanian devil is a small marsupial that is found only on the island of Tasmania. They are the largest carnivorous mar s upial in the world and are known for their ferocious appetite. The name “Tasmanian devil” comes from their appearance, which is similar to a small dog or cat.

They are the world’s largest carnivorous marsupial.
Tasmanian Devils are found only on the island of Tasmania.
They are known for their strong jaws and sharp teeth.
Their diet consists of small and medium-sized animals and carrion.
They are endangered due to a contagious cancer known as Devil Facial Tumor Disease.

Vampire Squid

The vampire squid is a small cephalopod that is found in the deep waters of the Pacific Ocean. They are known for their red eyes and their ability to “invert” their bodies, which makes them look like a vampire bat.

Despite its name, it’s not a true squid.
Vampire Squids live in the deep sea and can emit light to scare off predators.
Their diet consists of organic particles that fall from the upper layers of the ocean.
They have a unique defense mechanism where they can turn their capes inside out to display spiny projections.
They are found in temperate and tropical oceans.

Tufted titmouse

The tufted titmouse is a small songbird (not a mouse) that is found in North America. They are known for their distinctive call, which sounds like “tufted tit.”

They are small songbirds found in North America.
Tufted titmice nest in tree holes and sometimes in man-made structures.
Their diet consists of insects, seeds, berries, and nuts.
They are known for their distinctive song.
Tufted titmice are non-migratory birds and stay within their territory year-round.

Yellow-Bellied Sap Sucker

The yellow-bellied sap sucker is a small woodpecker. They are known for their love of sap and the bright yellow color of their belly. The name “sap sucker” comes from their habit of drilling holes in trees to get at the sap.

They are a species of woodpecker found in North America.
Yellow-Bellied Sap Suckers drill holes in trees to feed on the sap and the insects attracted to it.
They migrate to the southern United States, Central America, and the West Indies for winter.
Their diet also includes fruits and insects.
They are known for their distinctive mewing call.

Sparklemuffin

The sparklemuffin is a colorful spider that is found in Australia. They are known for their iridescent bodies, which reflect light like diamonds.

They are a type of peacock spider found in Australia.
Sparklemuffin spiders are known for their bright, iridescent colors.
Male sparklemuffin spiders perform a complex dance to attract females.
They are very small, measuring only about 4 millimeters in length.
Their diet consists of small insects and other spiders.

Strange-Tailed Tyrant

I’m sure I’ve met a few people in my life that would fit this name quite well! But alas, the strange-tailed tyrant is a type of bird that is found in South America. They are known for their long, curved tails and their aggressive behavior.

They are a type of bird found in South America.
Strange-Tailed Tyrants are known for their long, curved tails.
They inhabit grasslands and wetlands.
Their diet consists of insects.
The males have a unique courtship display involving their strange tail.

Dwarf Miniature Horse

Dwarf miniature horses are one of the smallest breeds of horse in the world. The breed became popular with lots of media attention around a beloved individual by the name of Thumbelina.

Thumbelina lived most of its life until its recent passing, in the United States. It was the smallest of all dwarf miniature horses and standing at just 43 cm tall, it was the smallest horse in the world. It was named after the fairy tale character “Thumbelina.”

They are a miniature horse breed found in the United States.
They are the smallest breed of horse in the world.
They are often used as therapy animals due to their small size and gentle nature.
Their diet consists of hay, grass, and grains.
They have a lifespan of up to 35 years.

Common Cockchafer

A common cockchafer is a type of beetle that is found in Europe and North America. They are often referred to as May bugs or June bugs, depending on the time of year that they are most active.

They are a type of beetle found in Europe and North America.
Common Cockchafers are also known as May bugs or June bugs.
Their diet consists of plant material, particularly leaves from trees and shrubs.
They are considered a pest in many areas due to their potential to damage crops.
The larvae, known as grubs, live in the ground and feed on plant roots.

Naked Mole Rat

The naked mole-rat is a small, burrowing rodent that is found in Africa. They are known for their hairless bodies and their small, pink eyes. The naked mole-rat gets its name from its unusual appearance.

They are a type of rodent found in East Africa.
Naked Mole Rats are known for their hairless, wrinkled skin and large incisor teeth.
They live in large, complex burrow systems and have a eusocial structure, similar to some insects.
Their diet consists of roots and tubers.
They have a remarkable resistance to cancer and a long lifespan for a rodent, up to 30 years.