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Neon Animals That Brighten The World Around Them

Fairy wrasse amidst colorful aquarium.
Fairy wrasse amidst colorful aquarium. Image by Vojce via Depositphotos.

Neon animals are some of the most colorful creatures on Earth. Their bright, glowing appearances can be seen in various habitats, from the deep ocean to rainforests. So, let’s explore some of these incredible neon animals and learn what makes them so special.

Glowing Jellyfish

Neon jellyfish.
Neon jellyfish.Image by Vlad61 via Depositphotos.

One of the most famous neon animals is the jellyfish. Many jellyfish species have bioluminescent bodies that glow in the dark waters of the ocean. However, this glow isn’t just for looks, it also helps them scare off predators and attract prey.

Vibrant Tree Frogs

Red eyed tree frog.
Red eyed tree frog. Careyjamesbalboa (Carey James Balboa), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

Tree frogs are small, brightly colored amphibians that often appear neon green or yellow. In this case, their bright colors are a warning to predators that they are poisonous. Additionally, the glow of their skin helps them blend into their environment or stand out when needed.

Neon Tetras

Several neon tetras.
Several neon tetras. Image by nop16 via Depositphotos.

Neon tetras are small, vibrant fish commonly found in freshwater aquariums. Their glowing blue and red stripes make them popular among fish enthusiasts. However, in the wild, their bright colors help them stay safe by confusing predators. My family used to have several of these, and they are just beautiful to watch swim around!

Fairy Wrasse

Fairy wrasse.
Fairy wrasse. Image by Vojce via Depositphotos.

The fairy wrasse is a small, vibrant fish found in coral reefs. Its body shines with bright shades of pink, blue, and yellow, giving it a stunning neon appearance. Moreover, the fairy wrasse uses its colorful display to attract mates and to blend into the vibrant coral surroundings, helping it avoid predators.

Fireflies

A glowing firefly rests on a leaf.
A glowing firefly rests on a leaf. Source: YouTube. Uploaded: lowa PBS.

Fireflies light up the night with their bright flashes of yellow and green. Primarily, these glowing insects use their light to attract mates. Furthermore, fireflies are a beautiful reminder of nature’s ability to produce its own light. As a kid, I thought fireflies were so cool they must only be in movies, and I didn’t believe otherwise until I saw them with my own two eyes!

Neon Snakes

Green vine snake.
Green vine snake. Image by sirichai2514 via Depositphotos.

Some snakes, like the green vine snake, have a neon-green appearance. Importantly, this striking color helps them blend in with leaves and branches as they hide up in trees. Also, it serves as a warning to predators that they may be dangerous and are not to be messed with.

Bioluminescent Plankton

Bioluminescent plankton.
Bioluminescent plankton. Image by wirestock via Depositphotos.

Bioluminescent plankton are tiny creatures that live in the ocean. When disturbed, they emit a blue or green glow, lighting up the water around them. Often, these glowing displays are seen at night and create stunning scenes in the ocean. It’s on my bucket list to see this happen in person one day.

Glowing Octopuses

Dumbo Octopus
Dumbo Octopus. NOAA Okeanos Explorer, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Some species of octopus, like the dumbo octopus, have bioluminescent skin. Down in the water, they use their glow to distract predators and blend into their surroundings. Additionally, their unique ability to glow makes them one of the most fascinating neon creatures in the sea.

Neon Butterflies

Red spotted purple admiral butterfly.
Red spotted purple admiral butterfly. Image by okiepony via Depositphotos.

Many species of butterflies are known for their striking, iridescent wings. Commonly, their colors can shift from bright blue to green, depending on the light. These vibrant patterns help them attract mates and confuse predators, as they are rather delicate creatures.

Nature’s Neon Light Show

Red-Eyed Tree Frog
Red-Eyed Tree Frog. Image by davemhuntphoto via Depositphotos.

Neon animals show us how incredible and diverse the natural world can be. Also, their glowing bodies serve important purposes, from scaring predators to attracting mates. These fascinating creatures remind us of the beauty and wonder that exists in nature. Which of these animals do you think is the brightest of the bunch?

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