UPY 2025

UPY 2016 Behaviour - Third
'Millions of crabs'
Rui Guerra

Every year, millions of crabs (Polybius henslowii) form large red masses in places along the coast of Portugal. This high density of swimming crabs is somewhat rare to be seen and although we saw some dispersed crabs, it took us almost an hour to spot a higher concentration. It was after another 20 minutes of blue-water diving that I noticed an immense 'red cloud' made up of maybe several thousand crabs swimming through the water.

Judge's comment: Alex Mustard: This is a jaw dropping scene that just gets better and better the bigger you see it and the longer you look. The behaviour is fascinating, but the photography is even better, Rui’s subtle use of light and the satisfying composition transports the viewer to the heart of this natural phenomenon. I love the depth of the aggregation with the crabs disappearing into the blue, seemingly going on forever.