Alex Mustard's Image

Alex Mustard (UK) shows the biodiversity of a healthy coral reef as ghost gobies swim within the branches of a sea fan.

Alex is particularly fond of gobies. These little fish are normally skittish, but he was determined to capture more than one in the frame.

Ghost gobies are translucent and so perfectly blend into their surroundings. They grow to be at most three centimetres long and use gorgonian sea fans as a refuge or feeding platform.

Capturing the gobies as well as vibrant, contrasting colours of the orange and white of the sea fan against the turquoise of the water meant Alex had to hold his camera steady in the current to get a long enough exposure.

Healthy coral reefs support a diversity of interconnected species but are at risk due to the warming seas of climate change.

How you can help

• The biggest threat to coral reefs is climate change. Look for ways to reduce your consumption, whether that's using less energy, shopping locally, buying less or choosing to walk or cycle.
• Overfishing can harm the biodiversity of coral reefs. Decrease demand for fishing by eating less fish and seafood and buying fish that's caught locally.
• Coral reefs are not just fishing hotspots, they're often tourist attractions too, which has led to issues with litter. Keep your rubbish with you and never drop it into waterways. Care for your local rivers, lakes, beaches and wetlands by removing rubbish and reporting any pollution to your local waterway authority.