From chameleons to octopuses: How and why these 7 animals change colour to survive

Imagine being able to change your colour to disappear into the background, signal your feelings, or regulate your body temperature. Sounds like science fiction, right? But in the animal kingdom, this ability is very real and incredibly fascinating.

Most of these animals have evolved the function to shift their colours in response to different situations. We often associate this with hiding from predators, colour change can also be used to communicate, attract mates, and adapt to temperature changes. The process behind this intriguing transformation often involves special skin cells called chromatophores, which expand or contract to reflect different pigments.

Here are 7 amazing animals that can change their colours and the science behind how and why they do it.

7 colour-changing animals that can trick your eyes

Chameleons

Chameleons are perhaps the most famous colour-changers, but their colour shifts are often misunderstood. A study published in Nature Communications revealed that chameleons adjust the spacing between unique nanocrystals in their skin cells—known as iridophores—to control colour change. By expanding these crystals, chameleons reflect shorter (blue-green) wavelengths; when the crystals are more closely packed, they reflect longer (red-yellow) tones.

This mechanism allows them to adapt quickly—darkening to absorb heat on cool mornings or lightening to reflect sunlight and stay cool during the heat of the day.On top of thermal control, chameleons use bold colour displays for social communication. For example, vibrant reds and yellows convey dominance or readiness to mate, while paler or subdued tones signal submission. This dual-purpose colour-shifting behavior—outlined in the Nature Communications paper—is a far cry from the commonly held belief that chameleons only change colour to blend in.

In truth, their skin is a high-tech tool for both survival and social interaction.

Cyanea Octopus

The cyanea octopus, also known as the day octopus, is one of the ocean’s most mesmerising masters of disguise, found in the warm waters of the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Its camouflage skills go far beyond simple colour change. Using pigment-filled cells called chromatophores, the octopus can instantly shift its skin tone—from deep reds to pale whites—based on mood, threats, or communication needs.

These colour changes are regulated by its highly developed nervous system, making the process nearly instantaneous.But colour is only part of the trick. The cyanea octopus can also change the texture of its skin, using muscular structures called papillae to mimic the roughness of coral, rocks, or even the sway of seaweed. This allows it to either sneak up on prey or vanish from predators. According to marine researchers and National Geographic, this adaptive camouflage is one of the most sophisticated in the animal kingdom, combining intelligence, flexibility, and evolutionary brilliance.

Cuttlefish

Cuttlefish are often called the "chameleons of the sea," but they might be even more impressive. These creatures can change their colour, contrast, and even skin texture within seconds. This incredible skill helps them sneak up on prey and avoid predators. They do this using not only chromatophores but also other cells called iridophores and leucophores, which reflect and scatter light. Cuttlefish can even perform this trick in complete darkness, making them one of the most advanced camouflage experts in the animal kingdom.

Crab Spiders

Crab spiders, also known as flower spiders, are well known for their ability to change colour between white and yellow to match the flowers they perch on—making them look like tiny petals rather than predators. This colour-shifting ability is often assumed to help them catch prey more effectively by camouflaging against flower petals. However, research by ecologist Thomas C. Ings of Queen Mary University of London and a study by Brechbühl and colleagues suggest the story may be more complex.

Their field experiments found that even when spiders were placed on mismatched flowers, their hunting success didn’t significantly decline—only about 3.5% of insect visitors were caught. Interestingly, birds and other potential predators rarely attacked the spiders either, raising questions about the real evolutionary purpose of their colour change. Some experts now speculate that the shift in hue may not be about catching prey at all, but could instead relate to avoiding unseen threats, regulating body temperature, or aiding egg-laying in adult females.

While the exact reason remains uncertain, this research shows that nature’s strategies are often more mysterious and layered than they seem at first glance.

Golden Tortoise Beetle

This little beetle might look like a living piece of jewellery, thanks to its shiny golden shell. But when it feels threatened or stressed, the golden surface fades into reddish or brown tones. According to entomologists, this is caused by changes in fluid levels within its wing covers (elytra), which alter how light reflects off its body.

This colour switch likely serves as a defence mechanism—startling predators or making the beetle look less appealing as a meal.

Pacific Tree Frog

The Pacific tree frog (Pseudacris regilla) can slowly change colour between vivid green and earthy brown over hours to days—an ability linked to its changing surroundings. A study in the Journal of Herpetology found that seasonal fluctuations in green foliage influenced how many frogs were green versus brown; both permanent and colour‑changing morphs adjusted to match the backdrop.

Laboratory experiments further revealed that environmental factors like background shade, temperature, and light levels interact to trigger these transformation.

For instance, frogs turn greener against leafy greens or cooler conditions, while browner on warm, earthy backgrounds. This slow shift isn’t just camouflage—it may also play a role in temperature regulation, because of chromatophores (special pigment cells), these frogs adapt their skin to blend in, stay safe, and maintain comfort in variable habitats.

Flounders

Flounders are flat fish that spend most of their time lying on the sea floor. To avoid detection, they’ve developed an incredible ability to change both the colour and pattern of their skin to match their surroundings. Like cuttlefish and octopuses, they use chromatophores to achieve this camouflage. This not only protects them from being spotted by predators but also makes them deadly ambush hunters—prey never sees them coming until it’s too late.Also Read: Can't stop snapping? These anger management tips will help you regain control