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