The disappearing fish

Iago Leonardo's Image

In the open ocean there is nowhere to hide, but the lookdowns at the top of this image are masters of disguise. This disappearing act impressed Iago, who was free-diving with special permission around protected Contoy Island. Using only natural light, he framed them against a shoal of grunt to highlight the contrast between the two species.

The flanks of the lookdown are covered with minute, silvery scales that act almost like underwater mirrors. In the open ocean this makes them almost invisible to predators and prey alike, particularly when viewed from chase angles – 45 degrees from either the head or tail – the angles most predators attack from.


Behind the lens

Iago Leonardo

Iago Leonardo

Spain

Iago is a graduate of the European University of Madrid, Complutense University of Madrid and the International School of Film and Television in Havana, Cuba. His work has garnered awards in competitions in Mexico, Colombia and Spain.

Image details

  • Canon EOS 5D
  • 20mm f2.8 lens
  • 1/320 sec at f11  •   ISO 400
  • Contoy Island, near Cancún, Mexico
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