The Phylum chart below allows identification of classified species using scientific naming, which may be useful for identifying species by description.

We have also sorted life into Common Language categories which many users find to be a faster and easier identification method.

If you prefer Common Language, Use the “ANIMALIA” drop down menu under “FISH AND WILDLIFE; KINGDOMS” to locate life by using common terms such as Fish, Mammals, Reptiles, Birds, etc.

PHYLUM DEFINITION COMMON
Acanthocephala Thorny headed worms Thorny-headed worms
Acoelomorpha Without gut Acoels
Annelida Little ring Annelids
Arthropoda Jointed foot Arthropods
Brachiopoda Arm foot Lamp shells
Bryozoa Moss animals Moss animals, sea mats
Chaetognatha Longhair jaw Arrow worms
Chordata With a cord Chordates
Cnidaria Stinging nettle Anemones / Jellyfish
Ctenophora Comb bearer Comb jellies
Cycliophora Wheel carrying Symbion
Echinodermata Spiny skin Echinoderms
Entoprocta Inside anus Goblet worm
Gastrotricha Hair stomach Hairybacks
Gnathostomulida Jaw orifice Jaw worms
Hemichordata Half cord Acorn worms, pterobranchs
Kinorhyncha Motion snout Mud dragons
Loricifera Corset bearer Brush heads
Micrognathozoa Tiny jaw animals  
Mollusca Soft Mollusks / molluscs
Nematoda Thread like Round worms
Nematomorpha Thread form Horsehair worms
Nemertea Sea nymph Ribbon worms
Onychophora Claw bearer Velvet worms
Orthonectida Straight swim  
Phoronida Zeus’s mistress Horseshoe worms
Placozoa Plate animals  
Platyhelminthes Flat worm Flatworms
Porifera Pore bearer Sponges
Priapulida Little Priapus  
Rhombozoa Lozenge animal  
Rotifera Wheel bearer Rotifers
Sipuncula Small tube Peanut worms
Tardigrada Slow step Water bears
Xenacoelomorpha Strange flatworm