UPY 2025

UPY  British Waters Macro - Highly Commended
'Shirmp in green'
Dan Bolt

A rare sighting in the UK, the Feather Star Shrimp (Hippolyte prideauxiana) is found on the crinoid Antedon bifida. Loch Duich has many varied dive sites, and this particular one has a few small rocks upon which a dozen or so feather stars were perched to try to snare some food. It was at this spot that I had the joy of finding my first Hippolyte. The crinoid in question was very easy to locate, and over the next few days I dived the spot 5 times.
On this dive I arrived at the feather star to find its arms outstretched and the shrimp half way along one of them. I was able to shoot a few images before the shrimp headed back to the centre of the crinoid, to be able to make use of the beautiful green water as a backdrop was a real bonus.

Judge's comment: The complimentary colours and a strong diagonal line leapt from the preliminary screening and continued to do so into the winning enclosure. Deserved. - Peter Rowlands