Random Animals That Can Change Their Color (20 items)

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  (#6) Sleek Unicornfish

  The sleek unicornfish changes from dark blue to light blue when it is cleaned by smaller fish who feed on parasites. Scientists think the color change helps the smaller fish more easily see the parasites on the unicorn fish's scales. Some unicornfish species also change during mating behaviors.
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  (#13) Willow Ptarmigan

  • Lagopus lagopus

  The willow ptarmigan cannot change colors rapidly like the other animals on this list. It undergoes a gradual color change from brown to white when the seasons change. The bird will shed its brown feathers and replace them with white ones, so it can blend into the snow.
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  (#16) Weasel

  • Mustela

  Weasels that live in northern regions also transition from brown fur to white fur in the winter. Weasels that live in warm climates do not change, and weasels that live in temperate areas partially change.
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  (#1) Octopus

  • Octopoda

  Several species of octopuses can change color to camouflage themselves, but the best camouflager of them all is definitely the mimic octopus. Not only does it change its color by expanding and contracting pigment cells in its skin, it changes the shape of its body to mimic other animals.
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  (#19) Siberian Hamster

  The Siberian hamster is the last animal on our list that changes color in the winter. These hamsters can be kept as pets, and even when they are not kept in their typical climate, they will still change color in winter if they are regularly exposed to natural light. This supports the theory that color change is triggered by reduced daylight.
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  (#20) Flamingo

  • Phoenicopterus

  Flamingo coloring ranges from very pale pink to bright pink. Scientists recently discovered that flamingos dab carotenoid oil, which they produce in glands near their tails, on their feathers to turn pinker. Essentially, they use the oil like makeup, since the purpose of their enhanced pink color is to attract a mate.

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