10 animals that have the ability to camouflage to their surroundings

1. Cuttlefish

Cuttlefish are underwater shape-shifters. Even though they can’t see colours the way we do, they’re able to change their skin’s colour and texture almost instantly. This helps them stay safe or get close to their prey. Scientists still don’t fully understand how they do it—but it’s one of the most advanced camouflage tricks in the animal kingdom.

2. Mimic octopus

This clever octopus doesn’t just blend in—it pretends to be other animals entirely. It can look like a lionfish, sea snake or flatfish, depending on what’s safest. It changes the way it moves and looks, confusing predators who think it’s something dangerous.

3. Stonefish

The stonefish is as deadly as it is well hidden. It lies still on the sea floor, looking just like a rock. It’s almost impossible to spot until it’s too late. With venomous spines and an excellent disguise, it’s one of the ocean’s most dangerous ambush predators.

4. Leaf-tailed gecko

Found in Madagascar, this gecko looks so much like a dead leaf that it’s hard to tell it apart from the forest floor. Its body, tail and colour all help it disappear into its surroundings, keeping it safe from predators.

This tiny seahorse is about the size of a fingernail and lives among coral (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

5. Pygmy seahorse

This tiny seahorse is about the size of a fingernail and lives among coral. It matches the coral so well—bumps, colours and all—that even trained divers often miss it. It’s one of the best examples of camouflage in the sea.

6. Stick insect

Stick insects do what their name says—they look just like twigs. Some even gently sway like branches in the wind, fooling both birds and humans. It’s a simple but very effective way to hide in plain sight.

7. Mountain hare

Mountain hares change their fur colour with the seasons. In winter, they turn white to blend in with snow, and in summer, they go brown to match the rocks and grass. This change helps them stay one step ahead of predators all year round.

8. Orchid mantis

At first glance, this insect looks like a delicate orchid flower. But it’s actually a hunter. It uses its petal-like limbs and colours to lure in insects—then snaps them up. It’s a mix of beauty and danger.

9. Decorator crab

These crabs don’t rely on colour alone—they decorate themselves. Using bits of sponge, algae and shells, they stick things onto their bodies to match their surroundings. Some even use toxic sea life to keep predators away.

10. Common potoo

This bird has an eerie talent for becoming invisible. It spends the day perched still on a branch, looking like a broken bit of tree. With its mottled feathers and sleepy eyes, it disappears into the forest background.