There’s no end to the wonder about the kind of life that exists beneath the water’s surface. And that’s probably what keeps divers (and photographers, of course) coming back into the water over and over again. To encounter these creatures, see them up close and ponder about how they thrive in their environments is enough to challenge any surreal dream.
JELLYFISH
Cnidaria
Pulsing along on ocean currents, jellyfish have been around for millions of years. Some are clear, and others have vibrant colours of pink, yellow, blue and purple. They have no brains, hearts, bones or eyes.
PHOTOGRAPHER Anna Ewa Manzel
BOBBIT WORM
Eunice aphroditois
This glittering ocean terror can reach up to three metres in length, and has teeth so sharp it can chop fish in half with its retractable jaws. It also injects its victims with a toxin to make them easier to digest.
PHOTOGRAPHER BK Chin
IDIOMYSIS SHRIMP
Their tiny, rounded bodies, bulbous eyes and attractive colours make them look like cute cartoon characters. While they do have tails like other shrimp, they tuck them under their bodies and look like little bees instead. No larger than about four millimetres, they “flock” in small groups to avoid predators, swarm about the reefs, and are often found around stinging anemones for extra protection.
PHOTOGRAPHER Jonathan Lin
POLYCHAETE WORM
Eupolyodontes amboinensis
Highly elusive, tiny (about 3mm eye to eye) and terrified of the light, this specimen was captured with very low red light and a huge dose of patience.
PHOTOGRAPHER William Tan
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