UPY 2025

UPY  British Waters Macro - Highly Comended
'Goby at the window'
Simon Temple

In Spring it's not uncommon to find a painted goby occupying an urchin shell; the smooth interior makes it an ideal location to lay eggs. If you are patient, you will see a repeating cycle of behaviour that includes tending eggs and keeping watch for possible dangers. This regular cycle allows a photographer a shot of the goby every minute or so and providing you don't get too close, the cycle continues, uninterrupted, again and again (although, I guess they must have a break at some point!).
What made this urchin/goby combination so eye catching was the newness of the shell. It was spotless and must have been no more than a day or so old, so often they are encrusted with algal growth. I couldn't overlook the opportunity to shoot a goby with such a 'clean' background and over three dives I captured this colourful image.

Judge's comment: This category was the strongest it has ever been this year. This faultless composition would surely have been a category winner in many previous years. - Alex Mustard