Rough love

Edwar Herreno's Image

Edwar first spotted this female guineafowl puffer cowering in a crevice, surrounded by a gang of amorous males. Intent on fertilising her eggs, they soon tugged her into the open water, where they used their powerful jaws to nip her skin. Exhausted and exposed, she eventually succumbed to their advances.

The ‘love-bites’ captured by Edwar are part of the fish’s complex mating ritual. They use their parrot-like beaks to bite their mate, usually causing superficial wounds that will heal within a few days. On rare occasions males will sink their jaws into a female’s flesh causing more significant damage.


Behind the lens

Edwar Herreno

Edwar Herreno

Colombia

Edwar's passion and love for the sea led him to become a marine biologist in 2002 at the University of Bogotá Jorge Tadeo Lozano, Colombia. He has been living, travelling and working in different countries as a recreational scuba instructor, technical diving instructor, yacht captain, videographer and photographer, and has a wide range of experience in guiding diving expeditions.

Image details

  • Nikon D300
  • Tokina 10–17mm f3.5–4.5 lens at 17mm
  • 1/125 sec at f8  •   ISO 200  •   Sea & Sea housing
  • Gulf of Papagayo, Costa Rica
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No gentle affair

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