UPY 2026 Coral Reefs - Third

UPY 2026 Coral Reefs - Third
'Veiled in Vibrance'
Neil Rosewarn

The Red Sea scorpionfish is a master of camouflage, perfectly adapted to the vibrant reefs of Ras Mohammed National Park. Here, on Shark Reef, it blends effortlessly with the soft corals, relying on its textured skin and mottled colours to remain invisible to both predators and prey. Common throughout the Red Sea, this ambush hunter waits motionless for small fish or crustaceans to pass within striking distance. Despite its beauty, it carries highly venomous spines along its dorsal fin, an effective defence that makes it one of the region’s most formidable reef inhabitants.
By allowing me to approach closely, the scorpionfish became the centerpiece, its colours and textures brought to life by the flash amid the glowing soft corals. In a place where every creature depends on the health of the reef, encounters like this are a reminder of how vital it is to protect these fragile ecosystems for future generations.

Judge's comment: The soft corals in the Red Sea are world class but are as delicate as their colours. The soft lighting, intricate subject detail and profusion of colourful life receding into the background is a classic and sometimes you don’t to do anything more.

Peter Rowlands