UPY  Behaviour - Highly Commended}

UPY  Behaviour - Highly Commended
'Wolfish nest'
Galice Hoarau

Parelius, the wolfish dad is guarding his eggs. The male wolfish guards the nest during the whole winter. Eggs were laid mid November and should hatch by the end of April. Parelius is one of the four wolfish we found with eggs at our house reef, Saltbrygga in Saltstraumen. All carry names from local characters. Parelius´ nest is the deepest, at 40m but also the most accessible to photographers. We have been visiting regularly and the wolfishs are now used to the divers coming to check on the next generation.

Judge's comment: Great behaviour, even better photograph. People don’t expect to see tender parental care from fish, especially ugly beasts like the wolfish. A fantastic glimpse into life in the ocean.
- Alex Mustard