The swirling shoal - Manu San Félix - Wildlife Photographer of the Year2006

2006 The Underwater World - Runner-up

Manu San Félix Click to enlarge The swirling shoal

Manu San Félix (Spain)

The swirling shoal

Snorkelling off Formentera, one of the Balearic islands in the Mediterranean, camera at the ready, Manu became absorbed by the light filtering down from above. As he passed over a cave, a massive creature suddenly emerged and swirled away into the gloom. It was in fact a shoal of thousands and thousands of fishes - one of many shoals of juvenile, open ocean (pelagic) species. This swirl of species, from pilchards to mackerel, come in close to shore in autumn to shelter from bigger predatory fish, including their own species. 'It was magic,' says Manu. 'They moved as if they were one, swirling in perfect synchrony.'

Nikon F5 with 16mm lens; 1/160 sec at f8; Ektachrome 100; Aquatica housing.

This photograph is available to buy as a print.