Big fish, little fish - Len Deeley - Wildlife Photographer of the Year2007

2007 The Underwater World - Highly Commended

Len Deeley Click to enlarge Big fish, little fish

Len Deeley (United Kingdom)

Big fish, little fish

'I went diving in the Red Sea in search of sharks, and this silky shark came by, looking at me. Just as it made a close pass I shot its profile. The pilot fish was in front, its usual position, as if attached by an invisible wire.' Pilot fish often swim in front of sharks, possibly to benefit from their protection, to 'bow ride' and to feed on scraps. A small one may even swim into a shark's mouth to nibble food between its teeth. They also ride in front of boats, hence their name. The shark rarely eats the pilot fish.

Nikon D70s + 60mm f2.8 lens; 1/60 sec at f5.6; ISO 200; Sea & Sea housing; two Inon flashguns.

This photograph is available to buy as a print.