You're bound to fail at this frustrating animal optical illusion

We all love a test of creativity, right? And an optical illusion that claims to separate the elite creative minds from the rest is as good a way as any to challenge your worth. Apparently, if you manage to find all 13 of the hidden animals in under 20 seconds, you have a creative mind. If you don't, sorry, you need a new industry.

This frustrating optical illusion is a head-scratcher – everyone on the CB team fell one or two short of the final tally. We'll let you have a look below and then give you the solution to the puzzle. Start the timer, and good luck! (And be sure to check out of favourite optical illusions here.)

Animal optical illusion

(Image credit: Brightside.com)

Did you manage it? Some of them are pretty well hidden – the prawn in particular had us universally shouting at the screen (how is that a prawn?).

But you should be able to find an an elephant, a dog, a mosquito, a snake, a donkey,  a cat, a prawn, a mouse,  a crocodile, a dolphin, a bird head, a fish, and a tortoise. Check out the explanation image below if you're really struggling.

Animal explanations

(Image credit: Brightside.com)

Yup, a prawn. And a bird's head? We all missed those on CB. So maybe we aren't as creative as we'd like to believe. For more animal-themed illusions check out the famous spinning horse illusion and this roundup of the hottest three animal optical illusions we've seen. 

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Georgia Coggan
Editor

Georgia has worked on Creative Bloq since 2018, and has been the site's Editor since 2023. With a specialism in branding and design, Georgia is also Programme Director of CB's award scheme – the Brand Impact Awards. As well as immersing herself with the industry through attending events like Adobe Max and the D&AD Awards and steering the site's content streams, Georgia has an eye on new commercial opportunities and ensuring they reflect the needs and interests of creatives.