19 INCREDIBLY Colorful Sea Creatures

From Nemo, the clownfish, to the beautiful and elusive Blue Sea Slug, these are 19 INCREDIBLY Colorful Sea Creatures !

Blue Tang -- Undersea creatures seem to look really cool in blue … and this one is no exception. The Blue Tang shows off some amazing blue coloration complemented by bold black markings. It almost sounds like a fashion shows, right? These fish are usually found in Indo-Pacific waters and are actually bright yellow when they’re younger. The blue and black colors show up at their final phase of development.

Coral -- Is that a brain at the bottom of the ocean? No … but it is a brain coral … and just an example of the wide ranging variety of living coral and coral reefs, some of which are thought to have started growing over 50 million years ago. Contrary to some beliefs, coral are animals, not plants … they’re actually related to anemones and jellyfish. The reefs formed by coral provide housing for thousands of marine species, giving them a place to find food, reproduce, and keep them safe until they’re mature enough to venture into the deeper ocean. Did you know coral reef plants and animals have proven important to the development of new medicines to treat cancer, Alzheimer's and heart disease? But even with all those advantages, human activity is threatening almost 60 percent of the world’s coral reefs.

Flower Hat Jellyfish -- This rare species of jellyfish is a rare species usually found in the waters of southern japan, Argentina and Brazil. It can grow to a half-foot in diameter, and is easily recognizable by its translucent bell, which is pinstriped with opaque bands. Those coiling tentacles adhere to the rim while not in use. Like many pretty looking things, this jelly carries a sting … but even though it’s painful, it’s non-lethal to humans … the worst you’d get is a rash.

Blue Sea Slug -- We couldn’t find a lot of information on this critter. From what we’ve seen, it’s often identified as a Blue Sea Slug … but that sounds like a pedestrian name for such a colorful creature. You can see the brilliant blue coloration in this photo … the animal almost looks like an alien life form with the two antennae sticking up. We’re guessing it might be a Nudibranch (new-di-brank). Those mollusks are noted for their striking colors, and there are more than 2,300 validated species scattered about the world. Can you confirm that? Let us know in the comments!

Mantis Shrimp -- They’re one of the most colorful forms of marine life, but don’t be fooled. They’re also known as ferocious undersea predators that possess, pound for pound, one of the most powerful punches on the planet. Punching with speed equal to a .22 caliber bullet, the Mantis Shrimp has not only broken shells of its prey … it’s also broken through aquarium glass. Punching at that velocity makes water vaporize and explode with a sharp bang, a flash of light and extremely high heat, all of which is felt by the victim as an additional blast. Not bad for an animal that averages less than four inches long.

Juvenile Emperor Angelfish -- Their coloration will change with age … but while they’re young, they exhibit these amazing displays of swirling dark blue, white and electric blue. It almost look hypnotic, right? Well, the fish keeps these distinct patterns until it reaches maturity, which usually takes around 4 years. Then the fish develops blue and yellow stripes, and black shading around its eyes.

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Clownfish -- Did you recognize them from “Finding Nemo”? Known as one of the most brightly colored fish in the world, their bodies have distinctive white striping with colors that can vary from red, orange or yellow. They’re also known as anemone fishes, because of their mutually beneficial relationship with sea anemones. The toxic tentacles of the anemones protect
clownfish from predators. And the fast movement of the fishes helps anemones find food and increase circulation.

The Mandarinfish -- Also known as the “Mandarin Dragonet” it swims in the Pacific reefs
… but it’s less than 3 inches long so it can be difficult to see in the wild. As you might guess, this fish is highly sought after in the aquarium trade … but they’re considered extremely difficult to their strict eating habits. Some people think the Mandarinfish might be the most beautiful fish in the world … would you agree?