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Animal Behaviour: All Other Animals - Highly Commended

Paul Nicklen Click to enlarge Sardine round-up

Paul Nicklen (Canada)

Sardine round-up

The Atlantic sailfish is probably the most prized sport fish in the world, but very little is known about its behaviour other than that it is the fastest swimming fish on record, reaching speeds of up to 109kph (68mph). As Paul discovered on this photographic assignment off Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, it's not just the speed of sailfish that's impressive but also their technique for catching their favourite prey, sardines. 'Approaching a school of fish, sailfish work together like marine mammals, coordinating to corral the bait into a tight ball with the use of their raised sails, confusing their prey with their fast-changing colours. They then dive into the baitball, slicing from side to side with their razor-sharp bills, wounding and isolating fish. Taking it in turns, they drive the ball towards the surface until the sardines are exhausted and are easy prey.'

Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II + Canon EF 16-35mm f2.8L II USM lens; 1/250 sec at f8; ISO 400; Ikelite strobes; Seacam housing.

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