May 13, 2025
Some animals keep hidden in plain sight to protect themselves from predators or to adjust to the weather. These animals are true masters of disguise. These colour-changing creatures not only deceive the viewer but also shift shades to stay alive. Here are 10 such animals.
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Chameleons don’t just change colour to blend in they also use it to communicate and regulate body temperature. Their skin contains special cells called chromatophores that shift pigments based on mood, light, or heat.
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The Arctic fox swaps its brown summer coat for a white winter one, perfectly blending into the snowy tundra. This seasonal colour shift helps it sneak up on prey while camouflaging in the winter snow and avoid predators in an extreme environment.
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Cuttlefish have incredible shape changers. With specially adapted skin cells, they try to copy the colours, textures, and even movements confusing predators and surprising prey. Scientists say they are a stark competition to the chameleons in camouflage skills.
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Flounders lie on the ocean floor and change colour to match the seabed. Their camouflage is so good that they’re almost invisible to predators and prey. Their colour shifts respond quickly to changes in surroundings.
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Also called the "goldbug," this beetle can switch from shiny gold to dull red. It uses this change to confuse predators. The colour shift is a result of how light reflects off fluid layers under its transparent shell.
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This octopus doesn’t just change colour, it copies other animals like lionfish or sea snakes! It uses its colour-changing skin and flexible body to avoid threats by pretending to be something more dangerous.
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The Pacific tree frog can gradually shift from green to brown or vice versa, depending on the environment. While not as dramatic as others, this change is important to hide from predators in the dynamic habitats.
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Found in the Canadian Arctic, the Peary caribou’s coat turns from brown to white as winter approaches. This not only keeps it warm but also helps it blend into the snowy arena to dodge predators like wolves.
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With wings that resemble dead leaves, this butterfly is a camouflage genius. When threatened, it closes its wings to show brown, leaf-like patterns, making it almost invisible on the forest floor litter.
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Some seahorses, like the common seahorse, can change colour when stressed or courting a mate. Their ability to blend with corals or seagrass helps them avoid becoming lunch for larger fish.
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