Snap shot

Rodrigo Friscione Wyssmann's Image

As Rodrigo dived down, two crocodiles lunged at one another, less than a metre away. The fight lasted seconds, but it was a moment Rodrigo had dreamed of for years. Lying on the bottom, camera pre-set to shoot into the surface light, and strobes aimed downwards to minimise backscatter, he finally captured the fierce energy of a clash.

Though American crocodiles are well known for their territorial aggression, combats are rare – smaller crocodiles usually give way to larger ones. Both about three metres long, these two were evenly matched. They attacked each other’s eyes and throat, powered by strong limbs, sharp claws and muscular tails and wielding up to 30 pointed, conical teeth.


Behind the lens

Rodrigo Friscione Wyssmann

Rodrigo Friscione Wyssmann

Mexico

Rodrigo became involved in photography as a teenager, while working as his father's assistant at the family's scuba diving business in the Mexican Caribbean. He has since worked on his own projects, focusing on the conservation of Mexico's oceans. He also enjoys exploring new sites and bringing back photos to share with his friends and family.

Image details

  • Nikon D800
  • 16–35mm f4 lens at 16mm
  • 1/250 sec at f6.3  •   ISO 200  •   Nauticam housing
  • Banco Chinchorro Biosphere Reserve, Quintana Roo, Mexico
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