UPY 2025

UPY  British Waters Macro - Commended
'Hidden gem'
Cathy Lewis

Life in the St Abbs marine reserve in Scotland is so spectacular that it can be easy to overlook the really small stuff. These Long clawed porcelain crabs (Pisidia longicornis) are less than a centimetre long and not always easy to see, but once you start looking they are everywhere, even carpeting rock walls in some areas. They can also be found, like this one, nestled in the soft coral Alcyonium digitatum or deadmen’s fingers. They use their fan-like mouth parts to filter the water for particulates. Catching the crab with its fans extended is quite the photographic challenge.

Judge's comment: Such pastel delicacy in British waters is a pleasant change from the black background days of yesteryear and long may it continue. The subject, its texture and the framing are exquisite.
Peter Rowlands