9 of the Smallest Animals in the World and Where They Live

Learn about the unique characteristics of the smallest animals in the world, where they live and if they are in danger.

By Anna Nordseth
Aug 1, 2023 3:00 PM
Dwarf Gecko
(Credit: alex_gor/Shutterstock)

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In a world where the gigantic often steal the spotlight, you may want to also consider exploring the smallest animals in the world.

Among the microcosm of compact critters are the world's tiniest vertebrates – animals that, despite their diminutive size, harbor all the complex components necessary for life with a backbone.

While insects, arthropods, mollusks and other invertebrates also boast members of vanishingly small stature, the spectrum of vertebrate sizes is truly astounding – from a parasitic fish the size of a pea to the blue whale that rivals three school buses in length.

The world of tiny vertebrates challenges our perspective, showing us that in nature, size isn't always synonymous with significance.

1. Smallest Mammal: Bumblebee Bat (Craseonycteris thonglongyai)

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