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7 Animals That Can Change Color

Female crab spider
Female crab spider sitting on Blue Flag Iris. Image by gonepaddling via Depositphotos.

Nature has many wonders, and some of the most fascinating are animals that can change color. These creatures use this ability for various reasons, from camouflage to communication. Here are seven remarkable animals known for their color-changing skills.

Chameleons

Cape dwarf Chameleon
Young Cape Dwarf Chameleon (Bradypodion pumilum) shedding its shin. Taken in a garden in Tokai, Cape Province. Image by Charles J. Sharp, CC BY 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Chameleons are perhaps the most famous for color change. They shift hues to communicate and regulate body temperature. Their skin contains special cells called chromatophores that expand and contract, allowing them to display a wide range of colors.

Octopuses

octopus
Octopus. Image via Depositphotos

Octopuses are masters of disguise. They can change color and texture to blend into their surroundings, escaping predators and ambushing prey. Their skin has specialized cells called chromatophores, leucophores, and iridophores, which help them create complex patterns and even mimic other animals.

Cuttlefish

red cuttlefish
Cuttlefish. Image via Pexels

Cuttlefish are often called the “chameleons of the sea.” They change color to communicate with each other and hide from predators. Cuttlefish have advanced control over their chromatophores, allowing them to produce intricate patterns and even pulsating colors that can mesmerize observers.

Squid

squid
A close up of a squid under the sea. Image via depositphotos

Squid use color change for communication and camouflage. Like octopuses and cuttlefish, they have chromatophores, leucophores, and iridophores in their skin. Some species, like the Caribbean reef squid, can create moving patterns on their bodies to communicate and confuse predators.

Anole Lizards

Green Anole Lizard (Anolis carolinensis) on railing in Hilo, Hawaii.
Green Anole Lizard (Anolis carolinensis) on railing in Hilo, Hawaii. Image by Paul Hirst (Phirst) – Own work, CC BY-SA 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1122951

Anole lizards, commonly found in the Americas, can change color for camouflage and social signaling. Their color change is influenced by factors like temperature, light, and mood. The green anole, for instance, can shift from bright green to brown depending on its surroundings and stress levels.

Flatfish

Flatfish
Flatfish. Moondigger, CC BY-SA 2.5 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5, via Wikimedia Commons

Flatfish, including flounders and soles, can alter their color to match the sea floor. This helps them avoid predators and catch prey. They can adjust not only their color but also their pattern to blend seamlessly with different underwater environments.

Crab Spiders

Crab Spider
Crab Spider. Image via Deposit Photos

Crab spiders can change color to match the flowers they hunt on. This ability makes them effective ambush predators. The color change process in crab spiders can take several days, allowing them to blend perfectly with their chosen hunting grounds.

Wrapping Up with Animals That Can Change Color

Jackson Chameleon
Perched Jacksons Chameleon they use their toes and tails to get around. Image via Depositphotos

Color-changing animals are nature’s marvels, using their abilities for survival and communication. From chameleons in trees to octopuses in the ocean, these creatures show the incredible adaptability and diversity of life on Earth. Their color shifts remain a fascinating subject for scientists and nature lovers alike.

Latest posts by Jen Fitschen, BSc Computer Science and Oceanography (see all)