When it comes to beauty in the animal kingdom, fish are surprisingly fierce contenders. Some species naturally flaunt colors and patterns so bold, they look like they’ve spent hours at a vanity mirror. From dramatic eyeliner to perfectly blushed cheeks, here are 10 fish species that look like they’re wearing makeup.
Mandarin Dragonet
The Mandarin Dragonet is a showstopper. With a vibrant palette of electric blue, orange, and green, its psychedelic pattern looks like expertly blended eyeshadow. This tiny reef dweller always seems red-carpet ready, especially under the right lighting.
Clownfish
These beloved reef dwellers sport crisp white bands outlined in black, resembling perfectly applied eyeliner. Their bright orange bodies contrast beautifully with the black, making them look like they’re always camera-ready — no filter needed.
Discus Fish
Discus fish come in a range of colors, often adorned with bold stripes or speckled patterns. Some varieties even have a pinkish or reddish hue near their gills and around the face, giving the illusion of natural blush. They’re graceful, elegant, and look like they’ve stepped out of a high-fashion photoshoot.
Betta Fish
Few freshwater fish are as glamorous as the Betta. With long, flowing fins and intense eye and face coloration, Bettas often look like they’re wearing eyeshadow, mascara, and lipstick all at once. Their flirty “flutter” only adds to the drama.
Royal Gramma
This Caribbean native features a stunning ombré blend of bright purple and golden yellow. The purple often extends around the eyes, giving the appearance of lavender eyeshadow. It’s a classic look with a tropical twist.
Painted Comber
Found in the Mediterranean and eastern Atlantic, the Painted Comber has dramatic black lines trailing from its eyes that resemble extended eyeliner or cat-eye makeup. Its pink and brown mottled pattern adds a smoky eyeshadow vibe, giving it an edgy, stylish appearance.
Moorish Idol
The Moorish Idol’s face is accented by dramatic black and white striping that slices right across the eyes, creating a bold, high-contrast look. The combination of yellow, white, and black is sharp and deliberate — like a perfectly executed graphic liner.
Lyretail Anthias
The Lyretail Anthias seems to have discovered the perfect shade of lipstick. Males boast a bright pink to reddish hue with golden highlights and a noticeable flush around the mouth and gills. It’s a look that says, “I woke up like this.”
Oriental Sweetlips
With alternating black and white stripes and yellow fins, the Oriental Sweetlips already looks fashionable. But what really stands out is its exaggerated lip markings — black dots ring its mouth, giving it the look of dark lipstick or lip liner.
Firefish Goby
This sleek species has a gradient body that transitions from a pearly white to a fiery orange tail. Its eyes are rimmed in dark pigment, creating a soft eyeliner effect. Combined with its elegant fins, the Firefish always looks polished and poised.
- Please Note: This content was created with the assistance of AI and thoroughly edited by a human before publishing.
