10 of the Most Beautiful Animals

• Turtle (10)

Turtles are basically reptiles. They are characterized by a shell that develops from their ribs and serve as a protective cover. The earliest known turtles date back to around 215 million years and are therefore considered to be the oldest members of the reptile family. The largest of turtles are aquatic though they do not lay eggs under water. They do breath under water though. When threatened these beautiful creatures can envelop inside their shells however, if rolled over they are very vulnerable.

• White Bengal Tiger (9)

The Bengal tiger is a symbol of grandeur and strength. Majestic in appearance, anyone in the presence of this creature will be left open-mouthed. It's not surprising that the tiger was the animal chosen to be the main character in many Greek, Persian and Chinese mythologies. The mystery and mystique in their looks mesmerises anybody looking at them. Due to their genetic mutations, some Bengal tigers are born white... which makes them even more beautiful!

• Macaws (8)

Macaws are exotic birds inhabiting the rainforests of South America. They belong to a family of birds called Psittacidae. Their beauty is due to the combination of bright colours in their plumage: bright yellow, crimson red, green grass, blue king and orange are the main colours. Many people have macaws as pets, and perhaps that's why Ara araraunas are a species that must be taken care of in the natural environment.

• Red Fox (7)

Foxes belong to the family of Canidae and they are usually a little smaller than your everyday domestic dog. There are about 37 different species that can be referred to as a fox. They usually have a narrow snout and a bushy tail. Of the 37 species only 12 actually belong to the original line of foxes. The most common species of foxes is the red fox. Foxes are usually thought to be very cunning. All in all they are magnificent animals; they are wild but absolutely beautiful.

• Mandarinfish (6)

Electric, this is the mandarin fish, which seems to contain an internal light that makes it glow at all times. This fish is one of the most searched for creatures by underwater photographers so they can be captured on camera. Despite its own light, the mandarinfish is very shy and prefers to appear at night, when they go out to mate. Colloquially they are called Mandarin because they resemble the legendary Chinese dragons.

• Red Panda (5)

One of the most fascinating and beautiful animals, Red Panda is a mammal found in the eastern Himalayas and southwestern China. They usually possess reddish-brown fur and a long, shaggy tail. Their population has been estimated less than 10,000 full-grown individuals and they have been listed as one of the endangered species.

• Black Backed Kingfisher (4)

The black backed kingfisher (Ceyx erithaca) is approximately 13 cm in length. It lives in southeast Asia and India close to streams and rivers in well-shaded, wooded areas. These kingfishers eat insects and snails as well as small lizards, frogs, and crabs by the riverside. They build tunnel-like nests in the riverbanks that can be up to a meter long. These nests can take more than a week to dig.

• Mandarin Duck (3)

The mandarin duck has a glossy greenish-black forehead that turns to purple as it slopes to a crest at the back of the head. The sides of the head are white with chestnut in front of the eyes. The sides of the neck and the cheeks have longer brown feathers. The upper breast is maroon, and the lower breast and belly are white. The sides and flanks are brown with black streaks and wing sails, which are bright orange feathers.

• Friesian horse (2)

Friesian horses are elegant and magnificent animals. Entirely one color, these impressive animals transport you to mythical and indomitable territories. Originating from the Netherlands, the Friesian is one of the oldest domestic horse breeds in the world. Their ancestor the 'tarpan' horse, who was wiped out in the 20th century by the excessive human hunting, is known as the wildest horse in history.

• Albino peafowl (1)

When I was looking for photos for this article of the 10 most beautiful animals in the world, it took me several minutes to choose the right one to represent the albino peacock. The white plumage that is white as snow and looks like a painting is very unique. This bird is a real supermodel, always posing, strutting their stuff and showing their beauty to all who pass before them.