Buzz
Little fish often have a tough life—there’s usually a bigger fish ready to make them its meal. In the deep sea, one of the most effective ways to survive is through a clever disguise. Here’s a list of 10 sea creatures that master the art of deception.
10. Blue-striped Fangblenny
Although the name fangblenny might evoke thoughts of a fearsome mythical creature, it’s actually a small tropical fish capable of changing its colors. Depending on its needs, it can morph into shades of olive, orange, black, or electric blue. The blue-striped fangblenny, which is predatory in nature, may feed on smaller fish it blends in with, but it thrives more by using camouflage. Instead of hunting, it stealthily retreats from its more dominant companions and takes occasional nibbles from larger fish in the reefs.
9. Mimic Octopus
The mimic octopus takes the typical squirt-and-escape tactics of other octopuses to a whole new level. Not only can it alter its color, but it also has the ability to change its shape to resemble other sea creatures. It’s capable of imitating at least 15 species, including the dangerous banded sole, the intimidating lionfish, and even venomous sea snakes. By disguising itself as more dangerous creatures, the mimic octopus successfully wards off predators and navigates the ocean with ease.
8. Cockatoo Waspfish
The cockatoo waspfish is one of the most laid-back fish in the ocean. While many fish seek hiding spots in crevices, the cockatoo waspfish simply drifts along with the ocean’s current. Its body, resembling a dead leaf, allows it to blend in seamlessly and go unnoticed by potential predators.
7. Ghost Pipefish
The ghost pipefish, a relative of the seahorse, bears a striking resemblance to sea grass. Long, slender, and pipe-like, it hovers near the ocean floor, not actively hunting but rather waiting to suck in any tiny food that drifts its way. Its grass-like appearance helps it stay hidden, but when the ghost pipefish moves into coral reefs during breeding season, it gradually shifts its color to blend into its new environment.
6. Leafy Sea Dragon
A major giveaway for predators that something might be a tasty meal is movement. To counteract this, some of the leafy sea dragon’s fins are nearly transparent, making it nearly impossible to detect when it’s in motion. Its other fins closely resemble the seaweed it inhabits, further helping it evade hungry hunters.
5. Swordtail Characin
Much like how humans take extra care to look good before a date, male swordtail characins go to great lengths to disguise themselves before mating. However, instead of dressing up as a more attractive fish, which would be too obvious, they extend a stalk from their bodies that appears to have food at its tip. When the females bite the stalk, they find themselves perfectly positioned for mating.
4. Pearlfish
What’s better than creating your own disguise? Letting another creature do the work for you, of course! Several species of pearlfish simply locate a suitable sea cucumber, swim up to its anus, and settle in. Sometimes, the fish will remain with only its head protruding; other times, it dives all the way inside to stay hidden from predators nearby.
And in some cases, the pearlfish gets an additional perk. Some of these fish actually feast on their host’s internal organs. However, since sea cucumbers can regenerate damaged body parts, they don’t seem to mind this arrangement too much.
3. Tasseled Anglerfish
By combining exceptional stealth with remarkable patience, the tasseled anglerfish is the undisputed champion of ocean camouflage. A small lure extends from its head and dangles right in front of its mouth, resembling easy prey. Already nearly invisible, it simply floats along, waiting for a hungry fish to bite before it strikes, swallowing its prey whole.
2. Black Marble Jawfish
Remember the mimic octopus we discussed earlier? Scientists have discovered a fish that imitates this octopus. While the mimic octopus changes its shape to resemble a fish, the black marble jawfish sneaks up close to it and pretends to be one of its tentacles. The jawfish gains access to whatever the mimic octopus is eating and gets the added benefit of protection, hiding under the octopus’s eight arms. That’s a clever way to live.
1. Coleman Shrimp
The Coleman shrimp closely resembles the brightly colored clownfish with its vivid white and neon orange hues. While clownfish are known for their tendency to stand out as they hide within sea anemones, these anemones can be deadly to other creatures. The Coleman shrimp, however, doesn’t seek refuge in anemones but has a clever trick of its own.
The fire urchin shares a similar neon orange color and dark blue spots that match the pattern of the Coleman shrimp, allowing it to blend in perfectly and become almost invisible to predators. Even if a predator does spot the shrimp, most sea creatures avoid the fire urchin, making it a perfect shield for the shrimp.
