2008: Behaviour: All Other Animals - Runner-up
Amos Nachoum (United States of America)
Sailfish strike
'More than 50 sailfish were herding the sardines around the island of Isla Mujeres, Mexico, in what appeared to be co-operative hunting. Each took it in turn to rush towards the sardines, raising its impressive sail as it got close to the ball and shaking its bill to knock out sardines.' The huge fin of a sailfish helps it herd prey, like shoals of sardines, into baitballs. They then slash at their prey with the spear to stun it. Extremely fast swimmers, sailfish have been known to crash into boats and drive their spear through wooden hulls.
Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III + Canon 16-35mm lens; 1/200 sec at f4; ISO 320; Seacam housing.
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Adult awards Deadlock David Maitland
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Adult awards Petal procession Adrian Hepworth
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