Floating in the dark sea during his night dive, Songda waited for something interesting to photograph. Then he spotted this diamondback squid. Using his underwater lighting, Songda revealed the squid’s head and the membranous fringes of its suckered arms. A long exposure allowed the passing animal to paint its own path across the frame.
Diamondback squid are normally slow movers, gliding unhurriedly through the water. But they can also produce a burst of jet-propulsion speed by contracting the soft, muscular cavity around their body – the mantle – and forcing water out through a funnel. They can then direct the jet by moving the funnel, accelerating towards prey or away from predators.
China
Songda is an ocean and wildlife marine conservation photographer, director of NOC Conservation Group in Shanghai and an Ocean Geographic Emerging Master Photographer. He is often diving from night to early morning - this enthusiasm has paid off with awards and recognition from his peers. He believes that 'being able to explore the depths of the ocean is one of the most wonderful experiences in life'.
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