Crocodile Fish (Cymbacephalus beauforti)

El Nido, Palawan, Philippines

Nikon D80 + Nikon 60mm f2.8 AF-S + Patima PDCH-D80 underwater housing + 2x Inon Z-240
iso 100, 1/200, f/16

A Crocodile Fish is resting at the bottom of the reef, off Palawan Island, in the Philippines. The bizarre aspect of this fish, whose head is vaguely remindful of a crocodile's, acts also as an excelent camouflage.

Andalusian Barbel (Barbus sclateri)

Mértola, Guadiana NP, Portugal

Nikon D300 + Subal ND300 housing + Nikon 10.5mm f 2,8
iso 400, 1/ 250, f/10

Portugal. Up North, clear waters, many mountain rivers, not many big fishes; down South, larger species but dirty, closed waters, little opportunities for photos. At the time I was interested in registering some of the preys of the European Otter – in this instance, an Andalusian Barbel – to complete an article about that particular mammal, later published by National Geographic Portugal. The opportunity arrived on morning in March, after a series of failed attempts, during a short period a couple of weeks after strong rain, following winter. It is certainly one of my favorite photos.

Pigmy Seahorse (Hippocampus bargibanti)

Moalboal (SW Cebu), Filipinas

This species was described not very long ago, in 1970. The Pigmy Seahorse is a poorly known fish that is in fact hard to spot because of its small size (this specimen measured about 15 mm) and its incredible camouflage, usually quite similar to the gorgonian it inhabits. Amongst the various specimens I did see, this was the only one with an orangish colouration, different from the typical pink pustulous striped body for this species.

Nikon D80 + Nikon 60mm f2.8 + 2 x Inon z-240 + Patima housing
iso 100, 1/200, f16