
Animals with patterns include Angelfish, Blue Sea Dragon, Boa, Butterfly, and Cheetah.
Looking at animals, it’s hard to believe that some of them have patterns on their skin. These patterns can be used for camouflage, intimidation, or attracting mates.
Patterned animals can be some of the most beautiful creatures on Earth. Their colors and shapes are so unique that they often look like they were designed by a professional artist.
While many people think that all animals with patterns are exotic, there are actually quite a few domesticated animals who have interesting markings.
Examples of Animals with Patterns
1. Angelfish
Scientific Name | Pterophyllum |
Type of Animal | Fish |
Range | Shield in tropical South America |
Diet | Omnivore |
Angelfish are a type of fish that can be found in both salt and fresh water. They come in a variety of colors, including blue, yellow, red, and black. Some angelfish also have intricate patterns on their scales that allow them to blend in with their surroundings. These patterns help the fish avoid predators and sneak up on prey.
2. Blue Sea Dragons
Scientific Name | Glaucus atlanticus |
Type of Animal | Fish |
Range | Australia |
Diet | Carnivore |
The blue sea dragon is not actually a dragon, but rather a type of seahorse. They are usually found in shallow waters along the coast of Australia and Indonesia.
The blue sea dragon has iridescent scales that blend into the surrounding water, making it hard for predators to spot them among coral reefs and underwater plants.
3. Boas
Scientific Name | Boa constrictor |
Type of Animal | Reptile |
Range | northern Mexico to Argentina |
Diet | Carnivore |
Boa constrictors are a type of snake that is found in the Americas. They can grow up to be over ten feet long and have intricate patterns on their skin that help them blend in with their surroundings.
The markings on a boa’s skin can also be used to intimidate predators or rivals. In fact, when two boas fight each other, they will often raise their bodies and try to make themselves look as large as possible.
4. Butterflies
Scientific Name | Rhopalocera |
Type of Animal | Insect |
Range | Worldwide |
Diet | Herbivore |
Butterflies are insects that live on every continent except Antarctica. There are more than 200,000 species of butterflies in the world. They come in a wide range of colors and patterns, which help them attract mates and blend into their environment to avoid predators.
The bright colors can also serve as a warning to predators that they’re not good to eat.
Read Also: Do Butterflies Have Trunks?
5. Cheetahs
Scientific Name | Acinonyx jubatus |
Type of Animal | Mammal |
Range | Africa |
Diet | Carnivore |
The cheetah is the fastest land animal in the world. They are able to run up to 70 miles per hour, making them a formidable predator.
Their coat is covered in black spots that help them blend into their surroundings and avoid being seen by prey. The spots on a cheetah’s fur are unique to each individual, just like human
6. Christmas Tree Worms
Scientific Name | Spirobranchus giganteus |
Type of Animal | Insect |
Range | tropical oceans between the Caribbean and Indo-Pacific |
Diet | Herbivore |
Christmas tree worms are a type of marine invertebrate that can be found in tropical waters around the world. They get their name from the two spiraling tubes that stick out of their heads, which resemble Christmas trees.
These worms have brightly colored bodies with intricate patterns on their skin. Their patterns help them blend in with coral reefs, where they live.
7. Clownfish
Scientific Name | Amphiprioninae |
Type of Animal | Fish |
Range | coast of Australia and Southeast Asia |
Diet | Carnivore |
Clownfish are a type of fish that can be found in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. They get their name from their bright orange and white stripes, which help them to blend in with the coral reefs they call home.
Clownfish are also one of the few species of fish that can change gender. If a clownfish’s mate dies, it will change its gender and become the opposite sex.
8. Common Loons
Scientific Name | Gavia immer |
Type of Animal | Bird |
Range | Greenland, Iceland and northern North America |
Diet | Carnivore |
The common loon is a large bird that can be found in North America and Eurasia. It has a distinctive black and white pattern on its body that helps it to blend in with the rocks and trees near its habitat. The loon’s call is also very distinct, and many people recognize it as the sound of winter.
Related Article: Can Common Loon Dive?
9. Coral Snakes
Scientific Name | Micrurus lemniscatus |
Type of Animal | Reptile |
Range | North Carolina to Louisiana |
Diet | Carnivore |
The coral snake is a brightly-colored, venomous snake found in the southeastern United States.
The red and black stripes on its body serve as a warning to predators that it is poisonous. The coral snake can reach lengths of up to four feet long.
Despite being venomous, the coral snake is not aggressive and will usually try to escape if it is approached.
10. Dalmatians
Scientific Name | Canis lupus familiaris |
Type of Animal | Mammal |
Range | Worldwide |
Diet | Omnivore |
The Dalmatian is a popular breed of dog that has white fur with black spots all over its body. They were originally bred to be guard dogs for horse-drawn carriages in England during the 18th century. Today, they are often used as service dogs for people with disabilities.
Related Article: What is the Color of Dalmatian Dogs?
11. Flamingo Tongue Snails
Scientific Name | Cyphoma gibbosum |
Type of Animal | Gastropod |
Range | Brazil |
Diet | Carnivore |
Flamingo tongue snails are small sea animals that can be found on the ocean floor. They get their name from the bright orange and white circles on their shell, which resembles a flamingo’s tongue.
These snails camouflage with coral reefs so they don’t become prey to larger fish or other marine animals. Their shells also protect them from predators by making it difficult for them to be eaten.
12. Geckos
Scientific Name | Gekkonidae |
Type of Animal | Reptile |
Range | Worldwide |
Diet | Carnivore |
Geckos are a type of lizard that can be found in many different parts of the world. They come in a variety of colors and patterns, which help them blend into their surroundings. Some geckos also have eyes with vertical pupils like cats or goats do; this helps them see better at night when they hunt for food.
13. Giraffes
Scientific Name | Giraffa |
Type of Animal | Mammal |
Range | Africa |
Diet | Herbivore |
Giraffes are a type of mammal that can be found in the savannas and woodlands of Africa. They have long necks, which help them to reach leaves on tall trees. Giraffes also have dark brown spots on their skin, which helps them blend into the grassy areas where they live. These large animals can weigh up to 2000 pounds and can grow up to 18 feet tall.
14. Greater Kudus
Scientific Name | Tragelaphus strepsiceros |
Type of Animal | Mammal |
Range | Africa |
Diet | Herbivore |
The greater kudu is a type of antelope that can be found in Africa. They are the second-largest antelope in the world, and they get their name from the large white stripes that run down their sides.
These stripes help to camouflage the kudu in the dense forests where they live. The kudu also has a unique spiral-shaped horn on its head that can grow up to 18 inches long.
15. Grooved Brain Coral
Scientific Name | Labryinthiformis |
Type of Animal | Cnidaria |
Range | the Caribbean, Atlantic, and Pacific Oceans |
Diet | Carnivore |
Grooved brain coral is a type of coral that can be found in tropical oceans. It gets its name from the grooves on its surface, which make it look like a human brain. This type of coral lives in colonies and has been around for thousands of years.
16. Jaguar
Scientific Name | Panthera onca |
Type of Animal | Mammal |
Range | Brazil |
Diet | Carnivore |
The jaguar is the largest cat in the Americas. It can be found in Central America and South America. Jaguars are one of the few big cats with a spotted coat. Their spots help them to blend in with their surroundings and avoid being seen by prey. Jaguars are also one of the most powerful predators in their habitat, making them fierce hunters.
17. Ladybug
Scientific Name | Coccinellidae |
Type of Animal | Insect |
Range | Worldwide |
Diet | Herbivore |
A ladybug is a type of beetle that often has spots or stripes on its shell. These markings help the bug to blend in with its surroundings, which makes it harder for predators to spot them.
Ladybugs also have some interesting mating rituals. During courtship, male and female bugs will touch antennae before mating. This process can last for several hours or even days.
Read Also: What is The Color of Ladybugs?
18. Leafy Seadragon
Scientific Name | Phycodurus eques |
Type of Animal | Fish |
Range | Australia |
Diet | Carnivore |
Leafy seadragons are a type of fish that can be found in the waters off the coast of Australia. They get their name from their leaf-like appendages, which help them to blend in with the seaweed and kelp they call home. Leafy seadragons have a variety of intricate patterns on their body that help them blend in even further.
19. Map Puffer Fish
Scientific Name | Arothron mappa |
Type of Animal | Fish |
Range | tropical and subtropical waters |
Diet | Carnivore |
Map pufferfish is a type of fish that can be found in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. They get their name from the intricate patterns on their skin, which look like maps. These markings help the fish hide from predators and confuse prey.
Map pufferfish is also one of the few species of fish that can change color. When they are threatened, they will turn black to make themselves look more intimidating.
20. Okapi
Scientific Name | Okapia johnstoni |
Type of Animal | Mammal |
Range | the Democratic Republic of Congo |
Diet | Herbivore |
The okapi is a type of giraffe that lives in the rainforests of Central Africa. It has reddish-brown fur with white stripes on its legs and neck, which help it hide from predators like lions and leopards. The okapi’s patterning helps camouflage it against tree trunks, leaves, and other vegetation in its environment.
21. Parrots
Scientific Name | Psittaciformes |
Type of Animal | Bird |
Range | Australasia, Central America, and South America |
Diet | Omnivore |
Parrots are a type of bird that can be found in tropical regions around the world. They have brightly colored feathers that come in a variety of colors, including red, green, yellow, and blue.
Their brilliant plumage is used to attract mates or scare away predators. Parrots also have curved bills which help them crack open nuts and seeds.
Related Article: Do Parrots Eat Apple?
22. Peacocks
Scientific Name | Pavo cristatus |
Type of Animal | Bird |
Range | India and Sri Lanka |
Diet | Omnivore |
The peacock is a large, colorful bird that is native to India. Male peacocks are famous for their elaborate tail feathers, which can span up to six feet in length.
These feathers are used to attract mates and intimidate rivals. The patterns on a peacock’s feathers can vary from individual to individual, making each one unique.
Related Article: Do Peacocks Eat Snakes?
23. Tapirs
Scientific Name | Tapiridae |
Type of Animal | Mammal |
Range | South America |
Diet | Omnivore |
The juvenile tapir has a coat of short, reddish-brown fur with black stripes. As the animal grows older, the stripes will fade and the coat will become darker.
The underparts are white, and there is a distinctive white “muzzle” marking on the head. Tapirs have stout bodies, long legs, and oversized feet.
24. Tigers
Scientific Name | Panthera tigris |
Type of Animal | Mammal |
Range | North Korea, China, India |
Diet | Carnivore |
Tigers are a type of cat that can be found in Asia and India. They have a very distinctive orange and black striped fur coat, which allows them to blend in with the tall grasses of their environments. Their stripes also help them to stay hidden from prey while they hunt or stalk their food.
25. Turtles
Scientific Name | Testudines |
Type of Animal | Reptile |
Range | Worldwide |
Diet | Omnivore |
Turtles are a type of reptile that lives in both fresh and saltwater. They have hard shells on their backs, which act as protection against predators.
Most turtles also have patterns on the inside of their shell to help them stand out in the water and attract mates during mating season. The ridges on top of its shell can also help a turtle swim more quickly through the water.
26. Venus Fans
Scientific Name | Gorgonia flabellum |
Type of Animal | Octocorallia |
Range | West Indian sea |
Diet | Carnivore |
The Venus Fan is a type of flowe0-like coral that grows on land. The Venus Fan can be found in the rainforests of Australia and New Zealand.
It gets its name from the way its leaves look like fanning seaweed when they are opened up to catch sunlight for photosynthesis.
The Venus Fan has a variety of colors, including pink, purple, and red. It also has intricate patterns on its leaves that help it to blend in with its surroundings.
27. Zebras
Scientific Name | Equus quagga |
Type of Animal | Mammal |
Range | Africa |
Diet | Herbivore |
Zebras are a type of horse that can be found in Africa. They get their name from the black and white stripes on their bodies, which help them to avoid predators like lions and hyenas. Zebras are also known for being very fast runners and can outrun most other animals when they’re threatened by danger.
28. Zorses
Scientific Name | Equus zebra x Equus caballus |
Type of Animal | Mammal |
Range | England and Africa |
Diet | Herbivore |
The zorse is a cross between a zebra and a horse. It gets its name from the black and white stripes on its coat, which is very similar to those of a zebra. Zorses are usually born with brown fur, but it gradually turns white as they age.

Hi, I’m Garreth. Living in South Africa I’ve had the pleasure of seeing most of these animals up close and personal. When I was younger I always wanted to be a game ranger but unfortunately, life happens and now at least I get to write about them and tell you my experiences.