1. Hedgehog
The coolest and cutest spiny animal in the world. There are 17 species of hedgehog, but we can say with absolute certainty we love them all
2. Porcupine
Porcupines are the third largest rodents in the world, after capybaras and beavers. There are 29 different species of porcupines, but of course – all have a coat of sharp spines, which puts them on this very distinguished list of cool spiny animals
3. Echidna
The Echidnas, also known as spiny anteaters are egg-laying mammals, and as you might have already guessed – they are covered with spines. The echidnas are also equipped with long snouts (beaks) that function as both mouth and nose. There are only 4 existing species: Short-beaked, Western long-beaked, Eastern long-beaked and Sir David’s long-beaked. Their diet consists of ants and termites and they are named after the Echidna – the “Mother of monsters” in Greek mythology
4. Thorny dragon (Moloch horridus)
The Thorny Dragon is an Australian lizard that grows up to 20 cm (8.0 in) in length, and can live up to 20 years. They are covered entirely with conical spines and also have a spiny fake head on the back of its neck. We think that in addition of being one of the coolest spiny animals, the Thorny Dragon is also one of the coolest lizards
5. Sea Urchins
Sea Urchins are also known as sea hedgehogs, and for a good reason – the Sea urchins are are small, spiny and rounded animals. There are about 950 species of Sea urchins, with different sizes and colors, which live in different areas of the world and live in different depths of the oceans. Sometimes humans accidentally step on sea urchins in shallow water, which, if you wonder, is a very unpleasant experience
6. Porcupinefish
Also known as blowfish or balloonfish, the porcupinefish can inflate its body and become a rounded ball. This increased size can scare away potential predators. The porcupinefish also has sharp spines which are pointed outwards as the fish inflates
7. Spiny Oakworm Moth (Anisota stigma)
This moth is found from Massachusetts and south Ontario to Florida, west to Minnesota, Kansas and Texas. It mainly feeds on Oak, hence its name
8. Crown of thorns starfish
There are about 1,500 species of starfish (or sea stars) in the world and many of them have spines. The crown-of-thorns starfish is perhaps the most impressive spiny starfish of all the species, and it is also one of the largest starfish species in the world. The name originates from the venomous spines that cover its body and somewhat resemble a crown of thorns. The size of the crown-of-thorns is typically 25 – 35 cm (9.8 – 13.8 in)
9. Armadillo spiny tailed lizard
The armadillo spiny tailed lizard, or simply armadillo lizard lives in the deserts of southern Africa. These lizards are known to have such a strong bite force, that they can actually break their own jaws! Another cool fact is that when it feels threatened, it can put its spiny tail in its mouth and become a protected spiny ball – a behavior that resembles a true armadillo!
10. Spiny Orb-weaver (Gasteracantha)
Also known as Spiny-backed orb-weavers, the orb-weaver is a genus of around 70 species of spiders known for their visible spines. These spiders can reach sizes of up to 30mm in diameter. They are found all around the world and are completely harmless to humans despite their frightening appearance. This is the Spiny Orb weaver’s second appearance on our blog, after it made its premiere in the world’s coolest spiders list