1st Place, Compact Marine Life Behavior

Jack Berthomier

"Eyes Bigger than the Stomach"  Shot in Noumea, New Caledonia with Sony RX100

Jack won a 7-night, 10-dive package with unlimited shore diving at Wananavu, Fiji!

The story:  I was able to see this scene three times in three years time. The first time, it was a big Hydrophis (about 130 cm) - took a few shots and one of which was selected 2nd at Ocean Art in 2013. The second time I saw one Hydrophis, it was a smaller one but unfortunately all botched shots because it bit my swimfin twice... The third time I was able to shoot one (the selected photo) measured approximately 60 cm. When I first saw it, it was at the surface and was just beginning to swallow its prey. Very few divers were lucky enough to watch this kind of scene, and apparently no other shot of this kind has been taken. This sea snake is very poisonous and can be murderous and also very agressive.

Note:  Shot while freediving.

Location:  Ouemo Bay, Noumea, New Caledonia

Camera:  Sony RX100, Nauticam housing, internal flash only

Settings:  f5.6, 1/500, ISO 200

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