3rd Place Marine Life Behavior
Kirsty Andrews
“Releasing the Next Generation“
The Story:
On a night dive in Romblon, an island in the Philippines, I witnessed a cunningly decorated crab climb laboriously to the top of the tallest coral bommy. In several swift, determined movements, it released hordes of young from its abdomen into the pitch-black water. It was a few nights after the full moon, which the crab may have chosen to take advantage of the biggest tides and maximize the dispersal of its young. It’s always a wonder to see this species of crab, so splendidly decorated with living soft corals and anemones for perfect camouflage. Observing this rare behavior made the encounter even more special.
Location:
Romblon, the Philippines
Equipment Used:
- Nikon D500 in Nauticam housing
- 105mm lens
- 2x Sea & Sea D1 strobes
Camera Settings:
- 1/250th
- f16
- ISO 200
