TRIBUNE
What usually first comes to mind when thinking of animals that change colour is the chameleon. Contrary to what many people usually think of, did you know that other animals can do the same?
Chameleons are popularly known for their ability to change colour regardless of the situation they are found in. Most animals use this trick to hide from predators, camouflage, or hunt prey.
Let’s check out some of these fascinating creatures.
1. Octopus
The octopus takes a few seconds to change its colour and disguise itself to hide from predators. Other times, it changes to alert other octopuses about the situation in its surroundings.
They often change the texture of their skin to match rocks, corals, and items within their immediate surroundings. The best part is that it takes them a few seconds to change and disguise.
2. Seahorse
Seahorses are tiny animals that change their skin as camouflage. Not only are they able to do this, but they also grow skin filaments to match their immediate surroundings. They can alter the colour of their skin to align with the environment they find themselves in. They often do this to hide from predators seeking to hunt them or send signals to other seahorses.
3. Crab spiders
Crab spiders are another fascinating animal that changes its appearance. According to the University of Colorado Boulder, there are about 3,000 species of crab spiders worldwide. However, the goldenrod crab spider can change its colour to suit its environment or background.
Crab spiders are tricky, and one can hardly notice them because they blend in with things around them, like flowers, etc. They do this to wait for and hunt their prey.
4. Cuttlefish
Cuttlefishes are an underwater animal that changes its appearance very quickly. According to Science Friday, they possess a uniqueness that no other animal group possesses—the malleable 3D texture of the skin. They can also increase in shape and size.
5. Flounder
The American Museum of Natural History records that when flounders swim, especially near the water’s surface, to eat, their skin becomes transparent. They do this in an attempt to outsmart predators. However, when they swim toward the bottom of the water, their skin begins to align with the colours and textures around them. They are flexible and can become anything at any time. Sometimes, they could identify as sand, and other times, they could identify as a rocky surface.
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