1.
Environment: Some fish (and cephalopods) have the ability to change colour and/ or markings according to background e.g. Peacock Flounder.
2.
Time/ Activity: Some fish will change colour dependent upon the time of day or activity level e.g. Coney Grouper, Parrotfishes.
3.
Spawning: Some animals will change colour/ intensity during spawing periods e.g. Nassau Grouper.
4.
Mood/ Communication: Some animals will change colour as a signalling mechanism e.g. Reef Squid.
5.
Age: Many fish have juvenile stages markedly different in colouration and/ or pattern compared to adults. e.g. many Damselfishes.
6.
Sex: There maybe marked sexual dimorphism, including protogynous hermaphroditism, with "Initial Phase" and "Terminal Phase" e.g. Wrasses, Parrotfishes.
7.
Races: Some species have one or more distinct races, differing in colouration e.g.Hamlet, Coney