UPY British Waters Macro - Highly Commended
Cathy Lewis
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UPY British Waters Macro - Highly Commended
'Paternal care'
Cathy Lewis
The wreck of the James Eagan Layne provides numerous hidey-holes for Tompot blennies. The males entice the females into their nests and then fertilise and guard the eggs until they hatch. A stack of pipes proved a particularly popular nesting site, forming a Tompot condominium. I spent a number of dives photographing these fish using a variety of lenses, but it was the 105mm macro lens that enabled me to get up close and personal with this paternal male, tenderly guarding the next generation of these characterful and engaging fish.
Judge's comment: One of my favourite shots in the competition. The clear, strong connection between parent and babies challenges our preconceptions of fish as lesser creatures, in a composition that is totally fat-free! - Alex Mustard
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