There are several animals that can change colors as a form of camouflage, but animals can alter their hues for other reasons as well. From reptiles to insects to mammals, these are some of the many creatures that are capable of changing their color!
1. CHAMELEON
![Chameleon on tree branch](https://i0.wp.com/wildlifeinformer.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/chameleon-on-tree-branch.webp?resize=600%2C400&ssl=1)
The chameleon is known for its ability to rapidly change its colors. These lizards have tiny nanocrystals beneath their skin cells. When chameleons stretch their skin cells, they’re able to change the way their skin reflects light.
While people usually assume that chameleons change colors to blend in with their surroundings, there are actually many reasons these lizards change colors. Shifting colors can help chameleons regulate their body temperature, express changes in mood, and communicate with other chameleons.
2. OCTOPUS
![Giant Pacific Octopus](https://i0.wp.com/wildlifeinformer.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/giant-pacific-octopus.webp?resize=600%2C400&ssl=1)
While the octopus is famous for having eight arms, these marine animals are also able to shift hues. Beneath the skin of octopuses, you’ll find chromatophores, which are tiny organs that change color!
Every chromatophore contains sacs of xanthommatin, a pigment that can absorb some wavelengths of light. When an octopus contracts its muscles, it can open up these sacs, which changes the shade of its skin. Some octopus species, like the mimic octopus, have additional organs that give them more control over their color.
3. HARE
![Arctic Hare](https://i0.wp.com/wildlifeinformer.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Arctic-Hare.webp?resize=600%2C400&ssl=1)
Several hare species change their colors with the season, including mountain and Arctic hares. These changes can help hares avoid predators. For example, the snowshoe hare changes from brown to white in the winter, which helps it to blend in with the snow.
When days start to get longer, hares shed their fur and grow new fur that’s a different color. As days grow shorter, hares shed their fur again and go through another color change.
4. GROUPER
![Grouper](https://i0.wp.com/wildlifeinformer.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/aquarium-grouper.webp?resize=600%2C400&ssl=1)
These fish can change themselves in all kinds of ways. Many grouper species are born female, but are able to change their s£x when they reach maturity. It’s also common for groupers to change colors when they’re stressed or want to blend in with their surroundings.
Some grouper species, like the Caribbean coney, are even able to change their patterns. When this fish is under threat, it can shrink the markings on its scales so that it can hide itself in coral.
5. SPIDER
![Goldenrod crab spider](https://i0.wp.com/wildlifeinformer.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/goldenrod-crab-spider.webp?resize=600%2C400&ssl=1)
There are more than 45,000 known spider species, and quite a few of these arachnids are capable of shifting colors! Several crab spider species, like the whitebanded crab spider and the goldenrod crab spider, can change colors to blend in with their surroundings.
Some male peacock spiders can also create colorful patterns on their abdomens! Their abdomens are covered in special scales. These scales can reflect visible and ultraviolet light, allowing spiders to alter their color with a slight shift in movement.
6. GREEN ANOLE
![Green anole](https://i0.wp.com/wildlifeinformer.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/green-anole.webp?resize=600%2C400&ssl=1)
While Green anoles are sometimes referred to as American chameleons, they’re actually a different type of lizard! These reptiles are able to shift from a dark brown to a bright shade of green. Some anoles have color mutations, allowing them to take on hues like red or blue!
Anoles have three layers of pigment cells and can release melanin, changing their skin from green to brown. Experts aren’t sure why anoles change colors, but many scientists believe it’s a way for these lizards to regulate their temperatures.
7. HOGFISH
![Hogfish in an aquarium](https://i0.wp.com/wildlifeinformer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/hogfish-in-an-aquarium.webp?resize=600%2C400&ssl=1)
The hogfish is able to shift colors to match its environment, which means it can be red, brown, or white! Not only do these rapid color changes help hogfish hide from predators, but it lets them sneak up on prey!
When male hogfish are trying to attract mates, they can also temporarily display brightly colored patterns! Hogfish are able to alter their hues by changing the concentration of pigments beneath their skin……See More
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