71While some need to seek
backgrounds that their bodies can
camouflage with, other predators come
biologically equipped with a kind of in-
built camouflage toolkit. These animals
can redistribute, intensify or dilute
pigments in their tissues to match their
backgrounds in colour, pattern and even
textures, regardless of where they move!
Coral reef flounders, for example, are
quick to adapt to their backgrounds.
And although they have a limited
repertoire of colours and patterns they
can camouflage with, when found
hidden in low-contrast sand and rubble,
only their eyes can give them away.
One part of this fascinating story of
subterfuge that scientists are onlyjust beginning to uncover is the
“fish-eye” perspective on camouflage.
Since marine animals perceive light
and colour differently from us, does the
camouflage of a predator that we see
underwater appear the same to them
too? And what about the predator – how
does it perceive its own camouflage? The
truth is that, for many species, we don’t
have a clue. In the case of the cuttlefish,
for instance, we remain bewildered by
the fact that this dexterous predator,
a master of camouflage, is effectively
colourblind. And yet, it is capable of
changing its appearance from uniformly
dull to vibrantly mottled within seconds,
and blending almost seamlessly into
its surroundings!SURVIVAL OF THE STEALTHIEST
Despite the advantages of using
camouflage to find food, for a predator,
hiding is not always a foolproof
strategy. Slow-moving animals like
some frogfishes cannot change
their appearance quickly enough.
Exposing their hideouts can cost
them their meal while also putting
their own lives in jeopardy. Moreover,
joining camouflaging predators in the
evolutionary arms race of survival are
prey that are also developing newer
strategies to avoid being eaten. For a
flathead, disguising itself right down to
the pupil may still not always guarantee
a successful catch. Over evolutionary
time, with every attempt to better
its disguise, a predator is likely to be
countered by at least some prey that can
break its code.
When I think back to that memorable
dive I wonder how I missed capturing
the moment when the crocodilefish
swooped in to swallow the fusilier.
Well, now the answer seems obvious. I
missed that incredible shot for the same
reason the fusilier got eaten. Despite
the vigilance and swiftness of our
reactions, the camouflage and stealth
of the predator managed to get the
better of both of us. And though it would
be hard to rein in my curiosity to take
a better look at the next crocodilefish
I encounter, I might still refrain from
approaching a carefully camouflaged
animal too close, even if it lets me. Not
to sound dramatic, but blowing its cover
could cost the animal its life. AD