UPY 2025

UPY  Coral Reefs - Highly Commended
'Slender Filefish in a Gorgonian'
Sage Ono

A slender filefish glides in between the branches of a gorgonian in Bonaire. These small fish are incredibly shy often hiding in sea grass, coral, or sponges to avoid detection. When I saw this individual camouflaging among the golden soft coral, I waited for it to pass into clear view to show a glimpse of the elusive critter.

Judge's comment: Macro pictures that make macro subjects look small are amongst my favourites. This shot does more than tell us how small slender filefish are, it also speaks to their secretive personality, as they live out their lives mostly unnoticed on coral reefs.

Alex Mustard