From Peacocks to Poison Dart Frogs: A Look at Nature’s Blue Wonders

Sky blue, ocean blue, blueberries, my eyes! Despite seeing blue all around us, blue is actually the least common color in nature. Many of the things we see that seem to be blue only appear blue, rather than actually containing blue pigment. When we stand on the beach and look out at the vast water, we see “an ocean of blue”, but if we scoop up a handful of water, we will see that it is clear.

The National Ocean Service explains it this way: “The ocean is blue because water absorbs colors in the red part of the light spectrum. Like a filter, this leaves behind colors in the blue part of the light spectrum for us to see.”

Similarly, many blue animals reflect light. There are only a couple of animals that are considered truly blue, including the olivewing butterfly, which has blue stripes on its wings that are composed of blue pigment.

Most animals appear blue due to selective reflection (how the light is filtered) and iridescence (due to a refraction of light waves). Whether they are true blue or simply appear blue, continue reading to discover 12 incredible blue animals.

12. Peacock

Peacocks are known for their beautiful fan of feathers. There are three types of peacocks: Congo, green, and Indian. The Indian peacock (Pavo cristatus) is the one that has a blue body with feathers that are multi-colored with blue spots.

11. Lizards

There are several kinds of lizards that are blue. A common feature of lizards is that they change colors to appear blue during certain times, like mating season. The red-headed agama (Agama agama) is typically brown, but its head turns red and its body blue to attract a mate.

The blue iguana (Cyclura lewisi) is another lizard that looks blue. Its coloration has two purposes: one is to blend in with the rock formations, and the other is to attract a mate, with males changing to a deeper blue during mating season.

10. Blue Poison Dart Frog

You wouldn’t want to run into a poison dart frog (Dendrobatidae) in the wild, so it is a good thing you can see them at the zoo! Their skin contains toxins that are poisonous and can be fatal. Their blue coloring serves as a warning to predators of their poisonous threat.

They live in only a few areas of the rainforests in northern Brazil and Suriname. They get their name from the practice of hunters dipping their darts in the poison to create a lethal weapon.

9. Spix’s Macaw

The Spix’s macaw (Cyanopsitta spixii), also called the little blue macaw, is one species of macaw that has vibrant blue feathers. In 2000, this bird, native to Brazil, was declared extinct in the wild, and there are only a few (177) remaining in captivity.

8. Royal Blue Tang

Sometimes referred to as surgeonfish, royal blue tangs (Paracanthurus hepatus) are known for their deep blue bodies with yellow tail fins and yellow at the tips of their fins. They have a distinct black design on their side that people say looks like the number six. The average size of the blue tang is the size of an adult’s hand, but it can range from 4 to 14 inches in length. You’ve probably heard the phrase, play possum, which means to be still and silent, but you could also say, play royal blue tang, because when these fish feel threatened, they turn on their sides and act dead to deter predators.

7. Blue Damselfish

The dentist’s office aquarium is always so colorful. This is often because of the blue damselfish (Chrysiptera cyanea), the most popular blue aquarium fish. Light reflected on their scales rather than blue pigment makes these fish appear blue. Blue damselfish can be aggressive and will take on much bigger fish.

6. Blue Sea Star (Starfish)

Along with colorful fish, aquariums are often lined with colorful coral and sea stars. Marine invertebrates, sea stars, also called starfish, come in a rainbow of colors, including blue! The blue sea star (Linckia laevigata) is a vibrant blue and has arms that are 3 to 5 inches long. The most common home for the sea star is shallow water, on and around coral reefs. Though some animals, like the blue whale, look blue in the water, but appear gray when they are out of the water, the blue sea star looks blue when it is removed from the water as well. This is because blue sea stars get their blue color from a pigment called linckiacyanin.

5. Blue Jay

Blue jays (Cyanocitta cristata)are common backyard birds with uncommonly beautiful blue feathers in various shades. According to allaboutbirds.com, “The pigment in Blue Jay feathers is melanin, which is brown. The blue color is caused by scattering light through modified cells on the surface of the feather barbs.”

Blue jays feed on nuts and insects and help the ecosystem by spreading acorns to grow more oak trees. If you are trying to lure them to your backyard, try a feeder on a pole with suet, peanut butter, and sunflower seeds.

4. Bluebird

The Eastern bluebird (Sialia sialis) is another common bird that can be found in many backyards across North America. The male’s back feathers and wings are blue, and its belly is a rusty color. The females are gray on their backs with hints of blue in their wings and a tan belly.

Depending on the light, they may not appear blue from a distance, but similar to the blue jay, the scattering of the light makes it appear that they have blue feathers. Another type of bluebird, the male mountain bluebird (Sialia currucoides), is entirely blue but lacks blue pigment. Mountain bluebirds are found in the Western states and frequent higher elevations.

3. Betta Fish

Want to get up close and personal with an incredible blue animal? Betta fish (Betta splendens) make great pets, allowing you to observe the beautiful blue fins anytime. Bettas have flowing fins that are quite impressive. Bettas will fight if placed in the same tank, so it’s best to keep them separate.

2. Chameleon

Can’t decide what color pet you want? Try a chameleon (Chamaeleonidae), which has a reputation for changing colors. They can’t match perfectly anything they land on, but they know how to blend in.

Due to changes in hormones and nerve impulses, the chameleon is able to alter the layer of skin that has melanin and create a look of a different color, including blue! One of the reasons chameleons change colors is to adjust their body temperature, drawing in more sun to warm them up or changing color to cool off.

1. Blue Glaucus

Have you ever heard of a blue glaucus (Glaucus)? These tiny sea slugs are only about an inch long with flowing appendages. By holding air in their stomach, they can float upside down with their bright blue belly facing up, which makes them invisible to flying prey.

The blue glaucus blends in nicely with the ocean waters. They feed on Portuguese man o’ war and store the venom from them in their appendages as another form of protection.