Below you can find a complete list of Cuban animals. We currently track 193 animals in Cuba and are adding more every day!
Cuba is a subtropic island located in the northern Caribbean Ocean. The country is comprised of six major ecoregions, including humid forests, dry forests, pine forests, wetlands, cactus scrub, and mangrove forests. Thus, Cuba is full of diverse wildlife and, with 17,800 species, the country has more types of animals than any other in the Caribbean.
National Animal of Cuba
The national animal of Cuba is the Cuban hutia. Also known as the Desmarest’s hutia, this endemic animal is an omnivorous rodent, weighing up to 19 pounds. It’s the largest living member of the hutia species and lives in a wide range of habitats, which allows it to be quite widespread in Cuba’s diverse ecoregions.
Additionally, the national bird of Cuba is the Cuban trogon or tocororo. The trogon, a native animal to Cuba, lives in both dry and humid forests. Coloration ranges from red, purple, blue, green, and white. The trogon grows to about 10 or 11 inches from beak to tail.
Where To Find The Top Wildlife
Some of the most popular types of animals in Cuba include the hawksbill turtle, the Antillean manatee, the tiny bee hummingbird, the Cuban parakeet, the French angelfish, and the Cuban crocodile. Hawksbills are found throughout Cuban tropical waters, but they specifically go to Cayo Largo to lay eggs between April and September. The Antillean manatee is also found throughout Cuban waters and can be seen while snorkeling.
Endemic bird species such as the ones mentioned above can be found throughout Cuba, but a good place to see many of them is a rural area south of Najasa town. There are plenty of good snorkeling spots in Cuba such as Playa Pesquero. There, you can see many endemic fish species like the French angelfish. Zapata National Park is a major wetland area that houses the Cuban crocodile and many other species.
Native Cuban Animals
Cuba is home to many types of wildlife, many of which are native to the country. Following are several examples:
- Cuban ground iguana
- Land crab
- Cuban crocodile
- Cuban finch
- Cuban treefrog
- Cuban solenodon
- Spinner dolphin
Native Birds
Along with the national bird, the trogon, there are countless unique avian species flying around or perched in the trees of Cuba. As a result of its convenient geographical location and size, Cuba is a hotspot for Neotropical migratory birds. Over 370 bird species have been seen on the island, out of which 27 are endemic. Some endemic species include:
- Cuban tody – eats 40% of its bodyweight
- Bee hummingbird – the world’s smallest bird!
- Zapata rail – critically endangered
- Zapata wren – one of the most sought after species to see in Cuba
- Cuban kite – critically endangered
Migratory birds pass through heading south but some remain in Cuba for the winter. Following are several examples.
- Black-throated warbler
- Northern parula
- Tennessee warblers
- Cape may
- American redstart
As for birdwatching location, La Guira Park is very popular, encompassing pine forests and semi-tropical forests. Caya Coco, surrounded by mangroves and famous for its incredible beaches, is home to over 200 avian species. Limestone ridges of Sierra de Najasa provide shelter and habitat for many bird species, such as hawks and parrots. Zapata National Park consists of swamp, scrubland, and salt flats, these diverse ecosystems are home to 18 endemic bird species along with other creatures such as crocodiles.
Native Fish
Surrounded on all sides by ocean along with inland rivers and lakes, Cuba is a popular destination for fishing of all kinds. Fly fishing, deep sea angling, half bottom fishing – you name it – and Cuba has it. Rules and regulations are in place to protect species and prevent overfishing, an important fact to consider when travelling for any kind of game fishing or hunting.
Some of the best lakes for fishing include Leonero Lake, Redonda Lake, and Algodonal Lake. The lakes are largely occupied by largemouth and smallmouth bass, northern pike, walleye, and several other species, making for good freshwater fishing.
Jardines de la Reina is renowned worldwide for magnificent species caught here. However, the only modality allowed is Catch & Release, strictly enforced to preserve populations and the unique ecosystem off of the Caribbean shoreline. Exciting species found here include:
- Sea bass
- Bandit
- Red porgy
- Wimple piranha
- Grouper
- Wreckfish
The Hatiguanico River flows from a crystalline water spring and is refuge for many species such as manatees. A popular fishing destination, shad and sea bass are most often caught, while Cuban gar and other species also inhabit these waters.
On the northern shores of the country, the Guanahacabibes Peninsula has some of the most inhabited waters as a result of intensive preservation efforts by the government. Catch & Release technique is allowed, but other fishing is strongly prohibited. A variety of marine fish species are seen here such as grouper, lane snapper, sawfish, wahoo, tuna, and sailfish.
Some especially unique fish found in Cuba include:
- Lucifuga fish
- Goliath grouper
- Cuban killifish
- Biajaca
Native Snakes
While Cuba is home to impressive marine life, colourful birds, and eccentric mammals, reptiles also inhabit the waters and lands of the island. Snakes are common to Cuba, some venomous, some not. One of the best known snakes of Cuba is the Cuban boa, the largest species in its genus, reaching over 15 ft long. The Cuban boa is also thought to be the largest land predator on the island. Other snakes found in Cuba are:
- Blind snakes
- Other boa species – ex. dwarf boas
- Nonvenomous colubrids – ex. salt marsh snake
While no species of snake found in Cuba is venomous, it is still important to seek professional medical attention if attacked or bitten by a snake, as allergic reactions or injuries may result.
The Most Dangerous Animals In Cuba Today
In general, there aren’t any truly dangerous wild animals in Cuba. The dangerous animals in Cuba are simply capable of delivering uncomfortable bites and stings. This includes Medusa jellyfish, mosquitos, scorpions, spiders, and lizards. Sharks are present in Cuba’s waters, but they’re mostly active at night. There are no records of shark attacks on Cuban beaches. As previously mentioned, the Cuban crocodile only inhabits one area, and the area is tightly controlled with fences and the like. Fortunately, there are no venomous snakes found on the island, lessening the chance of a fatal bite.
Famous Cuban Animals
Cuba’s natural biodiversity means that there are a lot of endemic animals in Cuba, meaning they are only found in Cuba, making them famous. The list includes the following:
- Tocororo
- Cuban hutia
- Bee hummingbird (the world’s smallest bird)
- Almiqui
- Cuban gar
Cuba is also very proud of its famous native dog the Havanese. The Havanese is very popular all over the world for its affectionate and playful personality, and cute small size.
Strange Animals
Cuba can claim a number of strange wild animals as well. Top of the list is the Cuban solenodon. This is an endangered animal described as a living fossil. It looks like a shrew, and it has venomous saliva that it injects into its prey with its teeth. The strange shrew was last spotted in 2003, however, recent research suggests that there’s evidence that the animal still exists in Cuba.
Another strange animal species in Cuba is the Monte Iberia dwarf eleuth frog. It’s the third smallest of all frogs and is only found in two small parts of eastern Cuba. It’s considered critically endangered due to a loss of habitat. This frog is about the size of a fingernail.
Mammals
Cuba doesn’t have a lot of large mammals or a lot of predators that are mammals. Many of the top animal species in Cuba are birds, reptiles, or fish. Some of the most well-known mammals in Cuba include the manatee, the Cuban hutia, the butterfly bat, the Indian mongoose, and the primitive Cuban solenodon. The Indian mongoose is not actually native to Cuba, but an invasive species. It was introduced to the island to cut down rat populations. However, it has almost no natural predators, so its numbers have gotten somewhat out of control.
Endangered Animals
There are a number of endangered animals in Cuba. Common threats to native animals of Cuba include invasive species, hunting from humans, and loss of habitat from human expansion. Some notable endangered animals species in Cuba include:
- Bahama swallow
- Baracoa dwarf frog
- Cuban solenodon
- Bee hummingbird
- Cuban crocodile
- Cuban kite
- Cuban parrot
Zoos in Cuba
Cuba has a number of zoos and aquariums, including the National Zoo of Cuba located in Havana. Opened in 1939, this zoo is the oldest in Cuba. Monkeys are the main attraction of the National Zoo of Cuba; however, there are multitudes of species on exhibit here. Other zoos and aquariums include the following:
- Delfinario (Dolphinarium) – Open since 1984 in Punta Hicacos Nature Park; Offers four daily dolphin shows
- Delfinario de Cienfuegos – Popular tourist attraction for swimming with dolphins and dolphin shows
- Delfinario Cayo Naranjo – Located in Bahia de Naranjo Nature Park, only accessible by boat; semi-natural enclosures for marine mammals, like dolphins, to interact with other marine creatures
- Aquarium Baconao – Santiago de Cuba; also allows swimming with dolphins and is home to unique marine and freshwater species; educational room for historical significance of species and waters
Cuban Animals

Amazon Parrot
These parrots can be trained to be "talking birds" that mimic human speech

Anole Lizard
There are just under 400 species, several of which change color.

Ant
First evolved 100 million years ago!

Armadillo
Can curl into a hard, protective ball!

Armyworm
They are so named because they "march" in armies of worms from one crop to another in search of food

Barn Owl
Found everywhere around the world!

Barn Swallow
Older offspring help care for new hatchlings.

Bat
Detects prey using echolocation!

Bear
There are 8 different species!

Bed Bugs
Bed bugs feed for 4-12 minutes.

Bee
Rock paintings of bees date back 15,000 years

Beetle
There are more than 350,000 different species

Bird
Not all birds are able to fly!

Biscuit Beetle
The biscuit beetle form a symbiotic relationship with yeast

Black Widow Spider
They typically prey on insects!

Blind Snake
The blind snake is often mistaken for a worm.

Blue Gray Gnatcatcher
Joy and happiness are the spiritual meaning of this bird.

Booby
Seabirds found across the South Pacific!

Brown Dog Tick
Can live its entire life indoors

Burrowing Owl
The burrowing owl lives in underground burrows

Butterfly
There are thought to be up 17,500 species!

Caecilian
Some species' babies use their hooked or scraper-like teeth to peel off and eat their mother's skin

Caiman
Can grow to up 6 meters long!

Camel Cricket
The camel crickets that are found in the USA are light brown in color. They also have dark streaks all over their body.

Carpenter Ant
Carpenter ants can lift up to seven times their own weight with their teeth!

Cat
First domesticated by the Ancient Egyptians!

Caterpillar
The larvae of a moth or butterfly!

Catfish
There are nearly 3,000 different species!

Centipede
There are about 3,000 documented species!

Chicken
First domesticated more than 10,000 years ago!

Cockroach
Dated to be around 300 million years old!

Codling Moth
Pupae are able to undergo diapause to survive poor fruit yield years and winter.

Collared Peccary
Form bands of up to 12 individuals!

Common Furniture Beetle
The common furniture beetle feeds exclusively on wood

Common House Spider
House spiders have the ability to eat most insects in a home.

Cow
There are nearly 1.5 million worldwide!

Crab
There are 93 different crab groups

Crab Spider
Crab Spiders can mimic ants or bird droppings

Cricket
Male crickets can produce sounds by rubbing their wings together

Crocodile
Have changed little in 200 million years!

Crow
A group of these birds is called a Murder.

Cuban Boa
One of the only snakes observed using cooperative hunting tactics.

Cuban Cockroach
Believed to have been introduced to the United States by being shipped with green bananas.

Dog
First domesticated in South-East Asia!

Dog Tick
Dog ticks feed on dogs and other mammals

Donkey
First domesticated 5,000 years ago!

Dragonfly
It's larvae are carnivorous!

Dubia Cockroach
The most popular species of feeder roach

Duck
Rows of tiny plates line their teeth!

Dung Beetle
The dung beetle can push objects many times its own weight

Dwarf Boa
Some species can change color from dark to light, and back again.

Earthworm
They are hermaphrodites, which means they have male and female organs

Earwig
There are nearly 2,000 different species!

Eel
Eels can be a mere few inches long to 13 feet!

Falcon
The fastest creatures on the planet!

False Widow Spider
False spiders actually prey on black widow spiders and other hazardous spiders

Fiddler Crab
The fiddler crab gets its name from the motion the males make with their over-sized claw during the mating ritual.

Firefly
The firefly produces some of the most efficient light in the world

Flamingo
Sleeps on just one leg!

Flea
Adult fleas can jump up to 7 inches in the air

Fly
There are more than 240,000 different species!

Flying Squirrel
Can glide up to 90 meters!

Frog
There are around 7,000 different species!

Fruit Fly
Fruit flies are among the most common research animals in the world

Gar
Can grow to more than 3m long!

Gecko
There are thought to be over 2,000 species!

German Cockroach
The most common type of urban roach

Glow Worm
Found inhabiting dense woodland and caves!

Gnat
Males form large mating swarms at dusk

Grasshopper
There are 11,000 known species!

Great Blue Heron
Their wingspan is larger than an eagle’s; both males and females help hatch the eggs; rich in symbolism

Great Crested Flycatcher
This species makes use of some truly unusual nesting material, including snakeskin and garbage

Guppy
Also known as the Millionfish!

Hamster
Able to run as quickly backwards as forwards!

Hare
Can reach speeds of over 40 mph!

Harpy Eagle
Talon's the size of a grizzly bear's claws!

Harris Hawk
Their vision is eight times better than a human's

Havanese
These are the only dogs that are native to Cuba

Hawk Moth Caterpillar
Many hawk moth caterpillars eat toxins from plants, but don’t sequester them the way milkweed butterflies do. Most toxins are excreted.

Hercules Beetle
This dynastine scarab beetle makes a weird huffing sound when it’s disturbed.

Heron
Inhabits wetlands around the world!

Honey Bee
There are only 8 recognized species!

Horse
Has evolved over 50 million years!

Horsefly
Horseflies have been seen performing Immelmann turns, much like fighter jets.

House wren
The wren’s epithet, aedon, comes from a Greek queen who accidentally killed her only son. She was actually aiming for her nephew, and Zeus took pity on her and turned her into a nightingale.

Housefly
The fly has no teeth

Human
Thought to have orignated 200,000 years ago!

Hummingbird
Beat their wings up to 80 times per second!

Huntsman Spider
Some huntsman spiders have an interesting way of moving around. Some cartwheel while others do handsprings or backflips.

Ibis
Found in swamps, marshes and wetlands!

Iguana
Uses visual signals to communicate!

Insects
There are an estimated 30 million species!

Ivory-billed woodpecker
The ivory-billed woodpecker can drill into wood with its sharp beak

Jacana
The jacana has the ability to swim underwater

Jumping Spider
Some can jump 50 times the length of their bodies

Killdeer
The killdeer feigns injury to draw a predator away from its nest.

Kingfisher
Inhabits wetlands and woodlands worldwide!

Ladybug
There are more than 5,000 species worldwide!

Leech
Has 10 pairs of eyes!

Lizard
There are around 5,000 different species!

Locust
Each locust can eat its weight in plants each day.

Lone Star Tick
Only females have the ‘lone star’ marking

Macaw
The largest species of parrot in the world!

Maggot
Will only live in wet areas

Marine Toad
Produces a toxin used in arrow darts!

Mayfly
There are 2,500 known species worldwide!

Mealybug
They have a symbiotic relationship with ants.

Mexican Free-Tailed Bat
Some colonies have millions of bats

Millipede
Some species have a poisonous bite!

Mole
Primarily hunts and feeds on Earthworms!

Mole Cricket
Adult Mole crickets may fly as far as 5 miles during mating season and are active most of the year.

Molly
Known for their calm and peaceful nature!

Monarch Butterfly
During migration, Monarch Butterflies may travel 250 or more miles each day.

Mongrel
Has characteristics of two or more breeds!

Monkey
There are around 260 known species!

Monte Iberia Eleuth
The smallest frog in the Northern Hemisphere!

Moorhen
Feeds on aquatic insects and water-spiders!

Mosquito
Only the female mosquito actually sucks blood

Moth
There are 250,000 different species!

Mountain Lion
Has no real natural predators!

Mouse
Found on every continent on Earth!

Mule
The offspring of a horse and donkey parents!

No See Ums
There are more than 5,000 species.

Ocelot
Also known as the Painted Leopard!

Orb Weaver
Females are about four times the size of males

Otter
There are 13 different species worldwide

Owl
The owl can rotate its head some 270 degrees

Panther
Prefers to hunt at night than during the day!

Parrot
Can live for up to 100 years!

Peregrine Falcon
Fastest animal on Earth

Pheasant
Females lay between 8 and 12 eggs per clutch!

Pigeon
They can find their way back to their nests from up to 1300 miles away.

Poison Dart Frog
Inhabits the jungles of Central and South America!

Porcupine
There are 30 different species worldwide!

Praying Mantis
The mantis can turn its head 180 degrees.

Puma
Has longer back legs than front legs!

Quail
Inhabits woodland and forest areas worldwide!

Quetzal
The tail feathers of the male can be 1m long!

Rat
Omnivores that eat anything!

Rattlesnake
It's venom digests it's prey before it even swallows it!

Red-winged blackbird
The male red-winged blackbird can sing to attract mates

Ring-billed Gull
The ring-billed gull feeds on vast quantities of human waste and garbage.

River Turtle
Inhabits freshwater habitats around the world!

Rodents
The capybara, the world’s largest rodent, likes to be in and around bodies of water. Because of this, the Catholic Church in South America decided that it was a fish, and people were allowed to eat it during Lent and First Fridays.

Rooster
Will mate with the entire flock!

Roseate Spoonbill
The only Spoonbill in the western hemisphere!

Ruby-Throated Hummingbird
Ruby-throated hummingbirds can beat their wings more than 50 times per second.

Saber-Toothed Tiger
Canines up to 7 inches long!

Sable Ferret
Ferrets were used during the Revolutionary War to keep down the rat population.

Salamander
There are more than 700 different species!

Sand Crab
The sand crab burrows beneath the sand with its tail

Scorpion
There are around 2,000 known species!

Sea Eagle
The sea eagle tends to mate for life with a single partner

Seahorse
Males give birth to up to 1,000 offspring!

Sheep
Around 35 million in the English countryside!

Shrew
The spinal column of the shrew Scutisorex somereni is so strong and reinforced that it can support the weight of an adult human.

Shrimp
There are 2,000 different species worldwide!

Skink Lizard
Some skinks lay eggs in some habitats while giving birth to skinklets in other habitats.

Sloth
It's body temperature is between 30 - 34 degrees!

Slug
They glide around on one foot, which is aided by the slime they produce

Smokybrown Cockroach
Has up to 45 eggs per egg case

Snail
There are nearly 1,000 different species!

Snake
There are around 3,000 known species worldwide

Snapping Turtle
Only found in North America!

Sparrow
There are 140 different species!

Spider Wasp
They prey on spiders to feed their larvae or they parasitize other spider wasps.

Squirrel
Small rodents found in woodlands worldwide!

Stick Insect
There are more than 3,000 different species!

Swan
Populations have been affected by pollution!

Tarantula Hawk
Tarantula hawks are excellent pollinators, especially for milkweed.

Termite
Their mounds can be up to 9 meters tall!

Thrush
The American robin is called the robin because its red breast reminded European settlers of the robin back in the old country.

Tick
They inject hosts with a chemical that stops them from feeling the pain of the bite

Tiger Beetle
The adult tiger beetle is one of the fastest land insects in the world

Tortoise
Can live until they are more than 150 years old!

Toucan
There are more than 40 different species!

Tree Frog
Found in warmer jungles and forests!

Turtles
Some species of aquatic turtles can get up to 70 percent of their oxygen through their butt.

Umbrellabird
Migrates up and down the mountains!

Vampire Bat
Have a heat sensor on the end of their nose!

Vinegaroon
Vinegaroons can spray 19 times before the glands are depleted

Vulture
There are 30 different species worldwide!

Wasp
There are around 75,000 recognised species!

Whiptail Lizard
Many whiptail species reproduce asexually.

White-Faced Capuchin
One of the world's most intelligent monkeys!

White Ferret / Albino Ferrets
There are two different types of white ferrets!

Wolf Spider
Carnivorous arachnid that hunts its prey.

Woodlouse
This animal can roll up into a ball

Woodpecker
There are 200 different species!

Worm
Doesn’t have eyes.
Cuban Animals List
- Amazon Parrot
- Anole Lizard
- Ant
- Armadillo
- Armyworm
- Barn Owl
- Barn Swallow
- Bat
- Bear
- Bed Bugs
- Bee
- Beetle
- Bird
- Biscuit Beetle
- Black Widow Spider
- Blind Snake
- Blue Gray Gnatcatcher
- Booby
- Brown Dog Tick
- Burrowing Owl
- Butterfly
- Caecilian
- Caiman
- Camel Cricket
- Carpenter Ant
- Cat
- Caterpillar
- Catfish
- Centipede
- Chicken
- Cockroach
- Codling Moth
- Collared Peccary
- Common Furniture Beetle
- Common House Spider
- Cow
- Crab
- Crab Spider
- Cricket
- Crocodile
- Crow
- Cuban Boa
- Cuban Cockroach
- Cuckoo
- Dog
- Dog Tick
- Donkey
- Dragonfly
- Dubia Cockroach
- Duck
- Dung Beetle
- Dwarf Boa
- Earthworm
- Earwig
- Eel
- Falcon
- False Widow Spider
- Fiddler Crab
- Firefly
- Flamingo
- Flea
- Fly
- Flying Squirrel
- Frog
- Fruit Fly
- Gar
- Gecko
- German Cockroach
- Glow Worm
- Gnat
- Grasshopper
- Great Blue Heron
- Great Crested Flycatcher
- Guppy
- Hamster
- Hare
- Harpy Eagle
- Harris Hawk
- Havanese
- Hawk Moth Caterpillar
- Hercules Beetle
- Heron
- Honey Bee
- Horse
- Horsefly
- House wren
- Housefly
- Human
- Hummingbird
- Huntsman Spider
- Ibis
- Iguana
- Insects
- Ivory-billed woodpecker
- Jacana
- Jumping Spider
- Killdeer
- Kingfisher
- Ladybug
- Leech
- Lizard
- Locust
- Lone Star Tick
- Macaw
- Maggot
- Marine Toad
- Mayfly
- Mealybug
- Mexican Free-Tailed Bat
- Millipede
- Mole
- Mole Cricket
- Molly
- Monarch Butterfly
- Mongrel
- Monkey
- Monte Iberia Eleuth
- Moorhen
- Mosquito
- Moth
- Mountain Lion
- Mouse
- Mule
- No See Ums
- Ocelot
- Orb Weaver
- Otter
- Owl
- Ox
- Panther
- Parrot
- Peregrine Falcon
- Pheasant
- Pigeon
- Poison Dart Frog
- Porcupine
- Praying Mantis
- Puma
- Quail
- Quetzal
- Rat
- Rattlesnake
- Red-winged blackbird
- Ring-billed Gull
- River Turtle
- Rodents
- Rooster
- Roseate Spoonbill
- Ruby-Throated Hummingbird
- Saber-Toothed Tiger
- Sable Ferret
- Salamander
- Sand Crab
- Scorpion
- Sea Eagle
- Seahorse
- Sheep
- Shrew
- Shrimp
- Skink Lizard
- Sloth
- Slug
- Smokybrown Cockroach
- Snail
- Snake
- Snapping Turtle
- Sparrow
- Spider Wasp
- Squirrel
- Stick Insect
- Swan
- Tarantula Hawk
- Termite
- Thrush
- Tick
- Tiger Beetle
- Tortoise
- Toucan
- Tree Frog
- Turkey
- Turtles
- Umbrellabird
- Vampire Bat
- Vinegaroon
- Vulture
- Wasp
- Whiptail Lizard
- White-Faced Capuchin
- White Ferret / Albino Ferrets
- Wolf Spider
- Woodlouse
- Woodpecker
- Worm
Cuba FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What animals live in Cuba?
Cuba is home to over 17,000 species of animals, including the Cuban hutia, the bee hummingbird, the Cuban land crab, the Cuban ground iguana, and the Cuban crocodile.
What is the most dangerous animal in Cuba?
Cuba has no truly dangerous animals, but Medusa jellyfish, crocodiles, and sharks are some to look out for.
What is the state animal of Cuba?
Cuba has two state animals in the Cuban hutia and the Cuban tocororo bird.
Are there monkeys in Cuba?
Cuba also used to be home to native monkey species, but there are no longer any native monkey species in Cuba.
Does Cuba have sloths?
Cuba was once home to giant ground sloths, but it no longer has any sloth species.