The coney (Cephalopholis fulva) seems to have taken the phrase “dress to impress” to heart, flaunting a wardrobe of bright reds, oranges, and even electric blues. This vibrant palette isn’t just for show—it’s a clever strategy in the underwater fashion game. Bright colors can serve as a warning to potential predators, signaling that the coney might not be the tastiest snack in the reef. Some of its color morphs, like the striking blue phase, help it blend into the coral environment, offering a bit of camouflage in the kaleidoscope of the reef. Plus, red is one of the first colors to fade to black underwater, making bright red fish practically invisible.
