Winning Wide-Angle Ocean Artwork in 2019: Talia Greis' 1st Place Compact Category
The yellow-crested weedfish, a vibrant and elusive marine creature, has been spotted at Shelly Beach in Sydney, Australia. This sighting is remarkable as Shelly Beach is part of the temperate marine ecosystem of the New South Wales coast, where such colorful reef-associated fish are less commonly documented compared to tropical regions.
The Story Behind the Sighting
The sighting of the yellow-crested weedfish at Shelly Beach likely occurred during a recreational dive or underwater photography session. The beach is a popular spot for divers and snorkelers due to its rich marine biodiversity, including an array of invertebrates, fish species, and temperate reef life. Discovering a yellow-crested weedfish here would be an exciting find, as it might indicate either a range extension, occasional dispersal event, or simply point to the presence of suitable microhabitats such as crevices in rocky reefs where these fish can shelter.
Such sightings are often shared by underwater photographers or citizen scientists who explore the region's diverse underwater environments, capturing rare or unusual species and contributing to marine biological records.
Photography Details
Photographers documenting the yellow-crested weedfish at Shelly Beach typically use underwater cameras with macro lenses to capture the small details and vibrant colors of the fish. Artificial lighting or strobes are employed to bring out the yellow crest's vivid coloration, as underwater light quickly diminishes color intensity with depth. Shooting usually takes place at shallow depths (around 5 to 15 meters) where both the fish and sunlight availability support good visibility. Photographers often have to patiently wait for the fish to emerge from their hiding spots within reef cracks or vegetation, requiring careful buoyancy control and minimal disturbance to the habitat. Post-processing might enhance color accuracy and contrast, helping highlight the characteristic yellow crest.
In this specific case, the photograph was taken using a Sony RX100 V Camera, Dual Sea & Sea YS-D2 strobes, and Nauticam RX100 V housing. The photograph features a yellow-crested weedfish deep amongst the kelp gardens of Shelly Beach, with the movements of the fish resembling the seaweed it buries itself in. Capturing the photograph required remaining still and waiting for the perfect moment.
The photograph, a prize in the Ocean Art competition at Solitude Lembeh Resort, showcases the yellow-crested weedfish's ability to camouflage itself among its environment, making it a master of disguise. The color of the fish is almost identical to its environment, adding to its stealthy nature. The camera settings for the photograph were 1/200, F6.3, and ISO 200.
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