Purple is a color rarely seen in the animal kingdom, but when it does appear, it’s nothing short of stunning. From deep-sea creatures to vibrant land dwellers, rare purple animals are a true marvel of nature.
These animals boast shades of violet, indigo, and lavender, giving them a mystical and otherworldly appearance. But purple isn’t just for show – many of these creatures use their vibrant hues for camouflage, communication, or attracting mates.
1. Purple Sea Urchin
These spiny little creatures are common along the Pacific coast and are known for their vibrant purple hue.
They use their tube feet and spines to move across rocky surfaces, often grazing on kelp. Despite their tough exterior, they play a delicate role in balancing underwater ecosystems.
2. Lavender Corn Snake
Selective breeding has produced this stunning variation of the corn snake, with a soft, purplish-pink body and silvery undertones.
While not found in the wild, its unique coloring and docile temperament make it popular among reptile enthusiasts. Its ghostly beauty sets it apart from other snakes.
3. Purple Frog
With its bloated body and pointed snout, the purple frog looks like something out of a cartoon.
Found only in India, it spends most of its life underground, surfacing briefly during monsoon season to breed. Its deep violet hue and unusual shape make it one of the strangest amphibians alive.
4. Violet Sea Snail
This fragile marine snail floats on the ocean’s surface using a raft of mucus bubbles.
Its shell gleams with shades of purple and lavender, making it a dazzling sight against the blue sea. It lives a delicate, drifting life while feeding on jellyfish.
5. Purple Starfish
Also called the ochre sea star, this brightly colored echinoderm stands out on rocky coastal shores.
While they come in various shades, the purple variety is especially striking. It’s a vital part of its ecosystem, helping to control mussel populations.
6. Purple Gallinule
This swamp-dwelling bird looks like it walked through an artist’s palette with its blend of electric purple, blue, and green feathers.
Found in marshes across the Americas, it has long yellow legs and a striking red bill. Its vibrant plumage is as bold as its curious personality.
7. Purple Lobster
A genetic mutation gives this ultra-rare lobster its deep violet shell.
These vivid crustaceans are so uncommon that finding one is a 1-in-2-million event. Most are released back into the wild—or granted a safe home in aquariums.
8. Purple Jellyfish
Several species of jellyfish come in soft purple tones, with translucent bells that shimmer in the light.
Their tentacles trail beneath like wisps of smoke, delivering a gentle sting. Floating through the water, they look more like living art than sea creatures.
9. Mandarinfish
Though better known for its electric blues and oranges, the mandarinfish often has bold streaks of purple along its body.
This tropical fish is admired for its intricate, psychedelic patterns and shy nature. It’s a reef gem that never fails to impress.
10. Purple Emperor Butterfly
This regal butterfly flashes iridescent purple wings when hit by sunlight at the right angle.
Native to Europe, it prefers sunlit clearings and treetops. The males are especially vibrant and fiercely territorial.
11. Purple Martin Bird
The largest swallow in North America, the purple martin boasts glossy, dark plumage that shimmers purple in the light.
They’re graceful aerial acrobats and beloved for their insect-eating habits. Entire colonies often nest in specially built birdhouses.
12. Royal Gramma Fish
With its two-tone body—vivid purple in the front and golden yellow in the back—the royal gramma is a favorite in saltwater aquariums.
Found in Caribbean reefs, this little fish is as peaceful as it is colorful. Its bold coloring helps it stand out and blend in at the same time.
13. Violet Crumble Jellyfish
This recently named jellyfish species looks as whimsical as its name suggests. It boasts a glowing, violet-tinged body that floats with mesmerizing pulses.
Rarely seen in the wild, it’s a surreal spectacle when encountered in the open ocean.