Nature's most colorful creatures

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Mandarinfish​

Native to the Pacific Ocean, this resplendent species is often cited as the most beautiful fish in the ocean. But beware. It's poisonous!

 

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Halloween crab​

It's odd that a crab so colorful in appearance is predominantly nocturnal in nature. It patrols the sands of the Pacific coast.

 

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Western crowned pigeon​

A remarkable crown of delicate lacy crests distinguishes this beautiful but vulnerable Papua New Guinea native.

 

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Oriental whip snake​

This long slender reptile is also known as the Asian vine snake. Native to southern Asia, the snake's fluorescent green coat is quite splendid.

 

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Scarlet macaw​

You're likely to hear this dazzling South American parrot long before you see it. It's well known for making loud throaty squawks, squeaks, and screams.

 

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Mandarin duck​

A species originating in East Asia but also introduced into parts of Europe, the mandarin male enjoys handsome and flamboyant looks.

 

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Cephea jellyfish​

Even the simplest of organisms can boast a colorful and attractive skin. This species is found in the Indo-Pacific and East Atlantic.

 

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Mandrill​

Mandrills are the world's largest monkeys and endowed with exceptionally colorful faces.

 

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Red lionfish​

Clad in white, red, and maroon stripes, this venomous coral reef fish is mesmerizing in its appearance. It shows off in the Indo-Pacific region.

 

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Tiger​

Instantly recognizable, the biggest cat on the planet is a popular and charismatic beast. Sadly, it's an endangered species, with poaching and habitat loss blamed for declining numbers.

 

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Rainbow lorikeet​

This Australian resident ably lives up to its name with a radiant and visually stunning plumage.

 

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Rosy maple moth​

With its woolly body and pink and yellow coloration, this tiny North American moth resembles a cuddly toy.

 

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Clownfish​

The clownfish is found in the colder waters of the Indo-Pacific regions and the Red Sea, where shallow seas and sheltered reefs are its preferred hangouts.

 

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Blue dragon​

Also known as blue angel, the blue upper body of this alluring sea slug helps it blend in with the blue of the water.

 

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Glasswing butterfly​

Despite its unique transparent wings, the South American glasswing makes this list because it "appears" to achieve coloration by virtue of its see-through wings. Clever!

 

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De Brazza's monkey​

Endemic to the wetlands of central Africa, these primates are distinguished by their orange forehead and magnificent beard.

 

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Violet-backed starling​

Its iridescent plum-colored back characterizes the male of this species, which hails from sub-Saharan Africa.

 

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Madagascan sunset moth​

Endemic to Madagascar, this exquisitely coated moth is renowned the world over for its stunning appearance.

 

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Tomato frog​

Unusual for the animal kingdom, the female species of this Madagascar resident is more brightly colored than her male counterparts.

 

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Rainbow grasshopper​

Native to North America, the best times to admire this vivid insect are morning and evening, in full sun.