What are some animals that are spelled with 8 letters?

Animal Education

Animal Names: The Eight-Letter Enigma

You know, when it comes to eight-letter animal names, I realized we don't pay enough attention to these fascinating creatures. Think about it, we're surrounded by amazing animals with equally amazing names that happen to be eight letters long. Now, why eight letters? Why not seven or nine? Well, I just happen to find the symmetry of an eight-letter word appealing, and it's a number that's often associated with balance and harmony. Moreover, my cat Pharaoh enjoys sleeping in the shape of an '8', so there’s that!

Underwater Wonders: Octopuses

The first animal that pops into my mind when I think eight-letter-named ones is 'Octopus'. Now, you probably know that ‘octo’ means eight, relating to their eight spectacular arms, but the term octopus also nests beautifully in eight letters. Fun fact about them, they're also known for having three hearts, quite the cardiac lead. I once tried getting Pharaoh interested in a documentary about octopuses – he didn't seem too enthused. I guess that's just cats for you.

Aerial Majesty: Blue Jays

Next up, we have the 'Blue Jay', an enchanting bird with a name that adjusts perfectly into our eight-letter rule. Known for their bright blue feathers and vivacious personalities, these small birds are a delightful spectacle. A personal anecdote here – my wife Marcella once rescued a Blue Jay that had strayed into our backyard. It simply flew to Marcella as if it knew she would help. True to form, she nursed it back to health, and we fondly named it Whiskers. It was an eight-letter miracle!

The Humble Domestic: Roosters

'Rooster', another eight-letter hero, might be a key part of your morning routine if you live near a farm or, if you're lucky enough, directly on it. Not overly exuberant and often associated with the break of dawn, these birds have a calming, rustic vibe. I've never personally owned a rooster, but I've always found their call in the morning oddly soothing. Now, to be honest, Pharaoh doesn’t share my enthusiasm for this bird. I suppose it's their mutual love for the early morning that creates a little friction.

A Savior of the Ecosystem: Starfish

Let's get back to the water for a moment. 'Starfish', or as some would say, sea stars, also share the eight-letter name fashion. These incredible creatures play a crucial role in aquatic ecosystems. Not just that, their name's etymology is beautifully poetic. Just like real stars in the sky, starfish are scattered across the ocean floors, a heart-warming example of how nature mirrors itself. And talk about regeneration, did you know that some starfish species can regenerate their entire bodies from just one arm? Yes, just one! I suppose there's something about the number eight surrounding these miraculous marine dwellers!

Eight-Lettered Nocturnal Muse: Hedgehog

Now, who can resist the charm of a 'Hedgehog'? Adorned with quills and a name that stretches exactly to eight letters, they're delightful creatures known for their unique defence mechanism. They just roll into a tight ball, and voila, they're untouchable! I've often considered adopting a hedgehog, but I'm not sure how Pharaoh would take to having a prickly sibling. As they say, all good things (or, in this case, animals) come in eights, right?

Endearing Pests: Squirrels

Lastly, I'd like to give a shout-out to 'Squirrels'. I know they can be quite mischievous, especially if you have a bird feeder, but their charm is undeniable. Imagine a briskly autumn afternoon, a squirrel bouncing around your backyard, its cheeks stuffed full of food—it's a delightful sight! Plus, they're also a part of our eight-letter family and, therefore, deserve some applause. I have many anecdotes about squirrels playing 'cat and mouse', quite literally, with Pharaoh. But, I guess, that's a story for another day!