counter-shading

Counter-shading is a natural coloration pattern where an animal's upper side is darker and its underside is lighter. This helps the animal blend into the environment by reducing shadow and contrast, making it less noticeable to predators and prey. For example, a fish may have a darker back to match the darker water above, and a lighter belly to blend with the lighter surface below. This adaptation enhances concealment and survival by disrupting the animal's outline across different lighting conditions and backgrounds.