On a night dive over deep water, Songda captured the luminous fin rays – or filaments – of a juvenile African pompano. Curious, he followed the fish as it glided through the water. Photographing its side profile, Songda used a slow shutter speed to capture the motion and beauty of its colourful and extravagant trailing filaments.
The filaments help the young fish drift in open water, where it feeds on slow-moving crustaceans, small crabs and fish. Its extra-long fins can also help deter predators by imitating the deadly tentacles of jellyfish. As the fish matures, its body will become more elongated and the length of its fin rays will become shorter.
China
Songda is an ocean and wildlife marine conservation photographer, director of NOC Conservation Group in Shanghai and an Ocean Geographic Emerging Master Photographer. He is often diving from night to early morning - this enthusiasm has paid off with awards and recognition from his peers. He believes that 'being able to explore the depths of the ocean is one of the most wonderful experiences in life'.
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