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Scorpion fish


Scorpion fish
Photo Information
Copyright: Alain Thibodeau (Athila) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 335 W: 239 N: 493] (1982)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 1985
Categories: Fish
Camera: Nikkormat EL & Ikelite housing, Micro-Nikkor 55mm f/3.5, Ektachrome
Exposure: 1/60 seconds
Details: (Fill) Flash: Yes
Photo Version: Original Version, Workshop
Theme(s): Exotic marine life, Fishes from around the world, The Red Sea, Underwater World #2, Underwater Wonder World 2 [view contributor(s)]
Date Submitted: 2005-11-21 22:24
Viewed: 7853
Points: 28
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Scorpion fish

This picture has been taken while I was SCUBA diving in Hurgada in Egypt.

I have been shooting almost 10 minutes before I realized there was a second stone fish behind the first one.

This demonstrates how this fish is a master in the art of camouflage. Of course, when you dive down at 50 meters deep, warm wavelengths of the color spectrum (red, orange and some yellows)are absorbed by the water leaving a blue-green cast (see one of my WS I did to simulate the vision we have when we don’t bring lighting with us). Flash used to take the picture recover the warm wavelengths, when warm colors are there.

I also did a second WS to define the contour of the fishes for those have problem identifying both fishes. I hope it’s going to be USEFUL to understand diver’s vision and recognize fishes.

As the stone fish, scorpion fish are (since there is many species)also venomous. When they come close to beach, there is a danger of walking on them in shallow water.


SCORPION FISH DESCRIPTION

These fish usually lies motionless during the day in amongst rocks on the seabed. This is a shallow water species which is believed to feed mainly at night. Scorpion fish breed in late spring or early summer. The eggs are embedded in a transparent protective mucous and laid in one solid lump.

Their are two other members of this group Scorpaena scrofa, These fish spend most of their time motionless on the bottom, The adult fish prefer 20 - 200m water depth so rarely come into contact with bathers. However the young fish may be found in shallower water. The morphology of this species is very similar to S.porcus but live in deeper water. The other member of this group is Scorpaena notata or S.ustulata two names for the same fish.

Source: http://www.users.totalise.co.uk/~darrenbarton/id118.htm

Photography technical data:

Camera : Nikkormat EL
Accessory-1 : Ikelite camera housing with flat port
Lens : 55mm f :3.5 Micro-Nikkor
F/stop : Not recorded
Shutter speed : Not recorded
Flash : Vivitar 285
Accessory-2 : Ikelite flash housing
Film : Ektachrome 64
Flatbed Scanner: Epson 4180
hummingbird24, cecilia, dew77, red45, sandpiper2, TAZ, scottevers7, liquidsunshine, Janice, cedryk, Demetrio, hookery has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

Hello Alain.

How fascinating these fish and your notes regarding them are.

I had no idea that the artificial light would make such a difference.

Great photo, workshops and presentation.

Excellent composition, details, colors, and POV.

Nice job, thank you for sharing.

Once again another fantastic shot demonstrating this animal's remarklable ability to blend right into its environment. I'll have to charge you double for an outline workshop since there are two of these guys this time. Well done Alain. Paul :)

Another superb image from you! This is just a fascinating creature...
well presented...
Cecilia

  • Great 
  • red45 Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2636 W: 74 N: 9091] (31094)
  • [2005-11-22 4:07]

Your serie with underwater life is fascinating Alain! Very well camouflaged yet still colorfull. You've got great eye and you're lucky man!

  • Great 
  • dew77 Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 4432 W: 248 N: 4028] (13270)
  • [2005-11-22 6:26]

Hello Alain!
Excellent capture.Camouflage is amazing.Lighting,framing,crisp clear details,POV and composition are wonderful.TFS....:-)

Where does the fish end and the coral begin that is the question! Amazing shot of these impossible to see fish. Well done and nice workshop and note.

  • Great 
  • TAZ Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2241 W: 47 N: 3167] (10926)
  • [2005-11-22 7:03]

What an interesting aquatic shot that you have very well done ! Where is the fish ;-)) I also appreciate the complementary note... Congratulations Alain and thanks for sharing.

Hi Alain,
Excellent shot. The clarity of the water has allowed superb color and detail in these shots your posting. These are great shots on a very interesting subject. Superb work!
Scott

Hi Alain,
Excellent capture, good sharp detail and colours. Great POV.
Nicely composed and good lighting.
Thanks for posting, have a great week.

  • Great 
  • klemmg Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 302 W: 40 N: 484] (1719)
  • [2005-11-23 13:30]

Hi Alain,
camouflage beautifully shown! Excellent composition, good detail and colour.
Regards,
Gabi

  • Great 
  • Janice Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3277 W: 148 N: 6163] (18832)
  • [2005-11-28 4:43]

Yes, I can see them, and really they are so hard to find - quite dangerous in the water. Amazing creation, and I actually quite like their colours too. Good job Alain, thank you.

  • Great 
  • cedryk Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 967 W: 50 N: 1722] (5270)
  • [2005-12-08 15:53]

Hello Alain,
Very good mimicry shot :-) fits well to my find me if you can series :-)
Best greetings,
Michal

Hi Alain, thanks for your comments by the way. Has a quick look at your images WOW your making me jealous. I just love diving in the RED SEA!!! The images you have are all great, was not sure which ones to awards points on so I will start with this one. Great capture of the two Scorpion Fish. There not easy to see sometimes and it was my worry when first diving in Egypt as that is where I took my courses. once your used to it then they become quite obvious. Great work anyway and love the presentation and note. WELL DONE.

Demetrio

Gran fotografia!, grafica muy bien el perfecto camuflaje de los Scorpaena.

Yuri

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