Animals with spikes are well known for their self-defense. In the whole animal kingdom, we can observe many strong and often weird methods of self-defense. Carrying spines is an effective tactical approach of defense against the enemy. It is very difficult to attack these spiky species. Following is the list of 10 most amazing animals with spikes.
20. Thorny Sea Dragon
Thorny sea dragons, found in Australia’s waters, look like floating seaweed with spiky bodies. They use their spines to hide from enemies and blend into their homes. These dragons are hard to see because they look like the plants around them. Despite their small size, they have strong defenses that help them survive in the ocean. Thorny sea dragons are like hidden treasures, showing how animals adapt to stay safe in their habitats.
19. Hedgehog Tenrec
Hedgehog tenrecs live in Madagascar and look similar to hedgehogs. They have sharp spines to protect themselves from danger and can climb and dig to stay safe. Their spikes warn others to stay away when they feel scared. Even though they are small, hedgehog tenrecs are tough and brave in their wild world. They are like tiny warriors, defending themselves in their unique homes.
18. Spiny Softshell Turtle
Spiny softshell turtles have leathery shells with spines around the edges. They live in North American rivers and use their shells to stay safe from harm. These turtles can swim fast and hide quickly, thanks to their unique bodies. With their special shells, spiny softshell turtles are like underwater superheroes, guarding themselves against danger in their watery homes.
17. Thorny Devil Stick Insect
Thorny devil stick insects look like sticks covered in thorns, helping them hide in forests. Their sharp bodies keep them safe from hungry predators. These insects are masters of disguise, blending into trees and leaves. With their tricky camouflage, thorny devil stick insects are like nature’s secret agents, hiding in plain sight in their green world.
16. Spiny Lobster
Spiny lobsters live in oceans all over the world and have long antennae and spiky shells. Their spikes keep them safe as they explore coral reefs and caves. These lobsters are strong and smart, using their senses to survive underwater. With their spiky armor, spiny lobsters are like underwater knights, protecting themselves in the vast ocean realm.
15. Thorny Oyster
Thorny oysters live in warm seas and have sharp spines on their shells for protection. They help clean the water and give homes to other sea creatures. These oysters are tough and resilient, adapting to changes in their ocean homes. With their sturdy shells, thorny oysters are like guardians of the sea, keeping their underwater world healthy and safe.
14. Spiny Devil Katydid
Spiny devil katydids live in Central and South America and have spines all over their bodies. They use their spikes and strong jaws to defend themselves in the forest. These insects are bold and fierce, standing up to threats in their habitat. With their sharp defenses, spiny devil katydids are like warriors of the jungle, protecting their territory from harm.
13. Spiny-tailed Iguana
Spiny-tailed iguanas live in dry areas of Central and South America and have spiky tails for defense. They move quickly and use their tails to stay safe from predators. These iguanas are agile and resourceful, adapting to harsh environments. With their sharp tails, spiny-tailed iguanas are like desert guardians, thriving in their sandy domains.
12. Thorny Skate
Thorny skates live deep in the ocean and have sharp spines on their backs. They use their spikes to blend into the seabed and protect themselves from danger. These skates are mysterious and elusive, roaming the dark depths of the sea. With their tough bodies, thorny skates are like silent sentinels of the deep, watching over their watery realm.
11. Spiny Dogfish is the Well Known Animals with Spikes
Spiny dogfish are small sharks found in cold waters worldwide, with sharp spines near their fins. They use their spines to warn off bigger predators and stay safe in the ocean. These sharks are skilled hunters, preying on fish and other creatures. With their sleek bodies, spiny dogfish are like stealthy guardians of the sea, keeping balance in their underwater world.
10. Thorny Devil
The thorny devil is an Australian native lizard that can grow only up to 20 cm. Mountain Devil is another name for this unique animal. Its whole body is covered with hard thorny spikes which actually protect it from predators. Because of these hard spikes, it is very difficult for predators to swallow Thorny Devil.
Another interesting thing about this spiky species is that it also contains a false head. Whenever it feels any danger or threat from other animals it quickly lowers its head and then presents its false head. Thorny Devil is a well-known anteater and it often eats thousands of ants a day. You will mostly find them in the deserts of Australia.
The size of females is larger than males. They can easily live for 15 to 20 years and wild birds and goannas are their potential predators. The Mountain Devil is one of the amazing animals with spikes and has the ability to change colors. In warm weather, it shows pale colors and changes it to darker colors during cold weather.
9. Porcupinefish
There are several names for this spiny fish; Balloonfish, Blowfish, Globefish, and sometimes collectively called pufferfish. It is actually medium to large size fish which is present in shallow waters. Few of its species can grow up to 90 cm. The interesting fact about this spiky species is that they can inflate their bodies by actually swallowing water or air. This process increases its size which actually protects them from predators. It comes at number 9 in the list of most amazing animals with spikes.
They also contain sharp spines which also play an important role in order to protect them. When the fish is inflated these spines radiate outwards. Some of its species are poisonous as well which also works great against enemies. The type of poison they have in their internal organs is 1200 times stronger than cyanide. This poison is effectively produced by different types of bacteria obtained from a fish’s diet.
Porcupinefish actually have three amazing and strong defense systems. That’s why they have only a few predators. Sometimes adults are killed by sharks and killer whales.
8. Spiny Oakworm Moth
They are so adorable and display characteristic fake eyes as attractive white spots on their wings. The length of its wingspan is about 45 mm. They are found in North America. Its larvae feed on oak, hazel, and basswood.
7. Sea Urchins
Sea Urchins are commonly a spiny creature living in the oceans worldwide. Amazingly there are about 950 species live on the seabed. Its tests are spiny and round in shape and can grow from 3 to 10 cm. Their largest species can grow up to 36 cm. Sea Urchins are slow movers they usually crawl with their tube feet. Sometimes they actually push themselves with the help of their spines. It’s true that Sea Urchins is one of the amazing animals with spikes.
They prefer eating algae but also eat slow-moving or sessile animals. Sea otters, wolf eels, triggerfish, and starfish are their potential predators.
6. Armadillo Spiny Tailed Lizard
This lizard species is native to the Western coast of South Africa. The color of the body can be light brown to dark brown. It contains a yellow underbelly with a blackish pattern that gives it a unique look. Its total size can range from 7.5 to 9 cm. Armadillo Spiny Tailed Lizard has the ability to grow up to its maximum size which is 10.5 cm. This lizard prefers to eat small invertebrates like spiders and insects.
The interesting fact about them is that when they find any threat they can easily roll themselves into a ball. This will help them against predators. Their thick, squarish scales along their back and the hard spines on their tails prevent predators.
5. Armored Rat
These nocturnal Latin American rodents contain a huge number of spines present on the back and sides of the body. The size of these thick spines is 33 mm. It is reddish brown in color and the underside is pure white. Armored Rat is similar in appearance to Tome’s spiny rat, but its eyes are smaller and have a longer snout. This spiny rat likes to eat fruits, green plant matter, and insects. Actually, they are born with soft fur and spines grow after the first month.
4. Echidna
Usually, animals with spikes have a quite unique look. Echidna are also known as spiny anteaters and live in Australia and New Guinea. Their diet includes ants and termites. They use their long sticky tongues to capture their prey. Their tongue is sharp and has tiny spines on it. Echidna doesn’t have any teeth, so in order to break down the food they grind it between the bottoms of their mouths and their tongues.
3. Crown-of-thorns Starfish
It is a big starfish that preys upon solid, or stony, coral polyps. The whole of its upper surface is covered with spines. This name is given to it because of these venomous thorn-like spines. No doubt this largest starfish is one of the amazing animals with spikes. They are found on coral reefs across the Indo-Pacific region. It has the capability of consuming devastating amounts of coral.
2. Porcupine
Porcupines are big rodents with a coat of sharp spines or quills. These spines protect them against predators. There are up to 30,000 needle-like quills which they quickly release when they find any threat.
1. Hedgehog
Hedgehog is top of the list of amazing animals with spikes. These spiky species enjoy an omnivorous diet of insects, roots, berries, slugs, and frogs. These nocturnal creatures are extremely famous for their defensive ball-curling stance.
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