1st Place Blackwater

Kyungshin Kim

"Hunting"

Kyungshin Kim won a 7 night dive package for one at Dive Resort in Peurto Galera, Philippines from El Galleon/Asia Divers

The Story:

I captured this shot during a blackwater dive in Anilao last November. At first, I noticed two squids stuck together and assumed they were mating. However, upon closer inspection, I realized they were not mating, one squid was eating the other, a smaller squid. Squids are known to engage in cannibalism, but it's rare to witness small squids eating each other during a blackwater dive. I carefully followed and observed them, managing to capture a few photos. After about 10 minutes, the color of the smaller squid, which was being consumed, began to fade. Finally, it released a spurt of black ink. Shortly after, the squid that had finished eating slowly disappeared into the distance, while the squid that became its prey sank into the dark depths of the sea.

Location:

Anilao, Philippines

Equipment Used:

• Nikon Z8
• Nikon 60mm macro
• Nauticam housing
• 2 x Kraken S160
• 1 x Weefine 5000 light

Camera Settings:

• f20
• 1/200s
• ISO 200