Beautifully Blue Animals

Blue is one of the least common colors to be found in nature.

This is because natural pigmentation of it is extremely rare and even the animals that we do know of as blue don’t have a blue pigment. Instead they have a structural coloration which gives the illusion of blue.

It is a common misconception that all animals which are blue are poisonous. As you will be able to tell from this list, that is not always the case. In fact sometimes animals turn selectively blue in order to attract a mate!

Morpho

This gorgeous blue butterfly is distinguished by its metallic scales making it popular in taxidermy.

Peafowl

More specifically the male Indian peacock are the ones who sport that iconic blue coloration. This is to attract the females of the species which are brown.

The unique patterns on the feathers make Indian peacocks popular in fashion and art.

Blue Poison Dart Frog

These hunchback frogs are a bright blue as a warning to predators that they’re poisonous and shouldn’t be eaten.

Interestingly, the black spots that decorate their back are unique to each frog and can be used in identification.

Cobalt Blue Tarantula

Any arachnid enthusiast knows that tarantulas come in a wide variety of colors, mainly on their legs.

This is the case for this tarantula which finds its home in the tropical rainforest. However be warned, it can produce a potent venom.

Linckia Laevigata

Commonly known simply as a blue star. This sea star is one of the few blue animals caused by pigmentation.

Since it is caused by pigmentation it means as a species it can have some variations including pink and orange.

Spix’ Macaw

If you have ever seen the movie ‘Rio’ then you know all about this bird as the main character Blu is this species.

Previously found in Brazil, this bird has been labeled as extinct in the wild since 2016.

Paracanthurus

Also called a royal blue tang, this blue fish is recognisable as the titular character from ‘Finding Dory’. They are popular as aquarium fish but can be poisonous if consumed.

Glaucus Atlanticus

Also known as a blue glaucus, this sea slug is popular for its dragon-like appearance.

Packing a dangerous sting, this 1.2 inch (3cm) long sea slug feeds on another blue animal, the Portuguese Man O’ War. It can then absorb its more deadly stinger to defend itself.

Blue Parrotfish

Maxing out at about 4 feet (1.2m) long, this fish is known for its otherworldly blue color. In fact if you ever see it out of the water it looks like it has been photoshopped.

Portuguese Man O’ War

This oddly named hydrozoan gets its name from the sailing ship as it resembles it when it floats on the water. While it does resemble a jellyfish it isn’t one and has been known to kill humans.

Greater Blue-Ringed Octopus

This tiny octopus only gets up to about 4 inches (10cm) long but packs a deadly sting being one of the most toxic marine animals (see also: Animals That Sting)in the world.

Blue Iguana

This endangered lizard is found on the island of Grand Cayman. It is one of the longest living lizards reaching up to 69 years old.

It is also one of the largest being about 5ft (1.5m) long, and weighing an impressive 30lb (14kg).

Blue Whale

Largest animal on earth measuring up to 98ft (roughly 30m). This mammal can live up to 90 years!

Blue Jay

A member of the corvid family. This intelligent bird is recognisable through its blue feathers that have distinctive black and white stripes.

Siamese Fighting Fish

Commonly known as betta, these fish come in a variety (see also: The Different Varieties Of Puffer Fish)of colors and are common house pets. As their name suggests, they are very territorial and aggressive.

Cuckoo Wasp

Named for their parasitic lifestyle, these wasps lay their eggs in the nest of unrelated host species so their larvae can feast on the host egg.

Lygodactylus Williamsi

The Tanzania electric blue gecko are a social group and both sexes boast a bright orange belly. While the males are blue the females can range from brown to bronze to bright green.

Callinectes Sapidus

Also called the blue crab, this species is commonly consumed around the world. It doesn’t keep its blue color when cooked and instead turns to the typical red.

Synchiropus Splendidus

The mandarin dragonet or mandarinfish is a popular saltwater aquarium fish due to its coloring.

While mainly blue in color it has a psychedelic orange pattern which is aesthetically pleasing due to the contrasting colors.

Blue Crayfish

A freshwater crayfish that ranges from brown to blue, however an aquarium strain has been selectively bred in captivity to get a bright blue coloring.

Blue-Tongued Skink

While not completely blue, this skink has an interesting blue defense mechanism. It can change the intensity of its blue tongue depending on the threat level of the predator.

Calliophis Bivirgatus

Called a blue coral snake, this animal also has a red head, tail, and belly. This is to warn of its venomous nature where its venom gland takes up 25% of its body.

Blue-Spotted Salamander

Found in the moist woodland. This salamander can reach up to 5.5 inches (14cm) long with its tail being 40% of that length.

Bielzia

This blue slug can be found in the Carpathian Mountains and can reach an impressive 5.5 inches (14cm) long. They don’t turn blue until they become an adult, until then they’re a yellowish brown.

Blue-Footed Booby

On average this bird can reach a height of 32 inches (81cm) and sports blue feet and sometimes a blue hued beak.

These bright feet are used to impress the females of the species. The males will present their feet during breeding season to impress the females, the brighter the blue the more desirable they will be.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4PNIOScO-u4