Coral Crab (Trapezia sp.)

Balicasag (Panglao, Bohol), Philippines

Nikon D80 + Nikon 60mm f2.8 + Patima PDCH-D80 (underwater housing) + 2x Inon Z-240
iso 100, 1/200, f/20

Inside a coral, a small Coral Crab seeks shelter from potential predators. For these small cratures, life on reef is full of danger and menaces.

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.

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