7 - Underwater Photographer of the Year

UPY Behaviour - Highly Commended
'The Great Sardine Caper'
Giacomo Antonio Rossi

A side-splitting scene unfolds as a pelican, jaws agape, zeroes in on a scrumptious anchovy. Little does it know, a determined puffer fish, puffing with ambition, is eyeing the same prize. In this tight comedic clash, anticipation hangs in the air… and the water. With a lightning-fast move, the pelican nabs the anchovy, but the plot takes an unexpected turn. In a comedic twist, the pelican engulfs the puffer fish in its voracious appetite, leaving both in a surprising gastronomic triumph. This shot captures the essence of nature's whimsy, transforming a simple snack into a tale of feathers, fins, and a shared anchovy surprise!

Judge's comment: A free meal brings enemies together. Pelicans each fish, but these well defended porcupine fish feel safe enough to get in on the action, grabbing their share of the freebies.
Alex Mustard

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