Clownfish sheltering in their host anemone, Fiji — a symbiotic partnership where the fish gains protection and the anemone benefits from cleaning and nutrientsHammerhead shark patrolling the open blue at Wolf Island, Galápagos — one of the most remote dive sites on earth, legendary for massive shark aggregationsSoft coral ghost goby, Lembeh Strait, Indonesia — nearly transparent and almost invisible against its host coral, in the muck diving capital of the world Giant elkhorn coral, Bonaire — a diver in the background gives scale to these ancient formations, a field centuries in the making. This entire reef was completely destroyed by a major storm in 2024, an irreplaceable loss. Spotted moray eel, Maui — a common but captivating resident of Hawaiian reefs, divers often learn to recognize individuals by their markings and return to visit them year after year.Green sea turtle resting on coral, Grand Cayman — these ancient mariners return to the same cleaning stations year after year, at home in the crystal-clear protected waters of the Cayman Islands. Elkhorn coral, Bonaire — golden antler branches reaching toward the light, preserved within one of the Caribbean’s oldest no-take marine parks, established in 1979. This colony was lost in the devastating 2024 storm. Ruth descending into the blue, Bonaire — co-discoverer of the lost A-1 Skyraider wreck off San Diego, with several hundred dives to her name. The black and white treatment makes the scene timeless as dives down to photographer Elkhorn Coral.Pygmy seahorse, Lembeh Strait, North Sulawesi — Hippocampus bargibanti, undiscovered by science until 1969, spends its entire life on a single sea fan, perfectly camouflaged and rarely seen. Garibaldi, La Jolla — a portrait against pure black, orange scales electric under the light, blue eye alert. California’s state marine fish, fully protected by law and utterly fearlessRuth Yu with her camera rig beside giant elkhorn coral, Bonaire — this colony took centuries to reach this size. The 2024 storm destroyed it entirely, making this photo a rare historical record.Green sea turtle coming straight at the camera, Grand Cayman — flying through the water with quiet authority, a species that has patrolled these reefs for 100 million years and outlasted the dinosaurs. Parrotfish portrait, Klein Island, Bonaire — clouds superimposed behind fused beak teeth that can bite through coral rock. The most requested photo in Dennis’s collection, particularly among orthodontists. Banded sea krait, Snake Island, Raja Ampat — Laticauda colubrina, among the most venomous snakes on earth yet completely docile toward divers. Comes ashore to rest, lay eggs, and drink fresh water.
White mouth Moray eel, Maui — a bold resident of Hawaiian reefs, the perpetually open mouth is not aggression but simply how they breathe, pumping water across their gills.
Firefish goby, Maui — also known as a dartfish for good reason, this vivid creature hovers just above its burrow and vanishes into the sand in a flash at the first sign of danger such as underwater photographers.Another White Mouth out of his hole during a night dive.Frowning Clown Fish must not have found Nemo yet.Coral Glass Fish never needs an MRI, Chuk, Micronesia.Ruth heads down to the reef at the Cousteau Resort, Fiji.Mantis Shrimp has his eyes on you. Has a snapper claw that can break crab shells or your finger.
