10 Masters of undersea camouflage

This fairly common reef fish frequently changes color to sneak up on unsuspecting prey and suck them up with his long muzzle. This fish also often takes a vertical position to mimic the shape of the surrounding corals.

N°9 Pygmy Seahorse

Camouflage 

The pygmy seahorse is very famous among photographers, because of its small size, it is extremely difficult to spot it. The pygmy seahorse lives exclusively on gorgonians which it takes the color and appearance. You can find it at depths of 15 meters to 40 meters. Ok well, let’s give you some help, here’s one dive spot where you may be able to see some : USAT Liberty, Bali.

N°8 Flatfish

Camouflage, Burial 

Flatfishes change color depending on their environment often composed of sand and small pebbles. They also used to bury themselves to hide from predators or catch any prey passing nearby.

N°7 Leafy Seadragon

Camouflage 

The leafy seadragon has developed an uncanny resemblance to seaweed and kelp that can be found in Australian coastal waters. He also knows how to imitate the tufts of grass drifting with ocean currents. Like seahorses, the male carries the eggs under its tail for four to six weeks.

N°6 StoneFish

Camouflage, Color Change 

The stonefish haunts the Indo-Pacific coral reefs. It is not always easy to spot, blending so perfectly with its surrounding environment. This fish is reputed to be the most poisonous in the world.

N°5 Robust ghost pipe fish

Camouflage 

This strange fish hides in the grass beds, sea fans and other crinoids. He is swept away by the currents like seaweed which it perfectly mimics the shape and color. As the trumpet fish, he often keeps its head down to suck the prey.

N°4 Leaf scorpionfish

Camouflage, Color Change 

Leaf scorpionfish not only looks like a leaf, it also behaves in the same way, its body undulating in the currents. It’s a dreadful predator for fishes and shellfishes that do not expect it and unsuspectingly pass nearby.

N°3 Tasseled Anglerfish

Camouflage, Disturbance contour 

This fish is covered with tentacles that provide a perfect camouflage when it stands in its natural habitat. This fish is very difficult to spot when he remains motionless between sponges and algae.

N°2 Cuttlefish

Reflection, Mimicry, Camouflage, Color Change 

The cuttlefish also named “the chameleon of the sea” fits its shape, brightness and skin color to hide from danger by posing a piece of coral, a clump of algae, or simply disappear by copying the color of sandy bottoms.

N°1 Mimetic Octopus

Mimicry, Color change 

The mimic octopus is an expert of shapeshifting. It is able to mimic the look and movement of more than fifteen species including sea snake, lionfish, flatfish, fish, frogfish, brittle stars, giant crabs, shellfish, rays, sea anemones, jellyfish or mantis-shrimp. Pretty hard to imagine, right ? Here’s a video of some of its accomplishments. Your biggest chance to see a mimetic octopus if you wish so is to dive here : Serava Secret, Bali.

You know another amazing expert of camouflage? Something to add, a reaction? Just do it below!