UPY 2025

UPY  Macro - Runner Up
'Larval Lionfish'
Steven Kovacs

Drifting near the surface at night in over 700 feet of water, I came across this one inch larval Lionfish off the coast of Florida during a blackwater dive. In the Atlantic Ocean, Lionfish are an invasive species and, unfortunately, finding the pelagic larvae is an all too common occurrence during these dives. This individual was exhibiting more beautiful coloration than usual and so I set out to try and capture its fins in full display. It's a challenging task, not only because they shun bright lights and usually try to flee, but also because they fully flare their fins in a defensive posture very sporadically and only for brief moments of time. I was very fortunate to be able to capture this particular individual in all its glory.

Judge's comment: They may be an invasive species in the Atlantic Ocean but they do make for arresting images and very strong contenders in competitions.
- Peter Rowlands