Seahorses and Pipefish

Mark Webster · Issue 91, Jul/Aug 2016 · pp. 79–84

Products mentioned: Nikon F90X, Subal Housing, 105mm micro lens, Inon Quad flash, Fujichrome Velvia 50, Nikon D300, Subal ND2 housing, 10-17mm fisheye zoom, Subtronic Mini flash guns, Nikon D200, Subal ND20, Inon wet lens

Many of the most attractive and appealing marine species are often some of the smallest and best camouflaged and as a result may get missed by divers who are frequently intent on a reef tour rather than a tour of its residents. Amongst these miniature attractions are the various species of seahorses and pipefish which are to be found in temperate and tropical seas around the globe. For photographers these often make spectacular subjects and also offer a technical challenge and so can be very satisfying to pursue and produce a pleasing image. There are up to 35 species of seahorse and around 200 species of pipefish to be found worldwide but surprisingly few of them get seen by divers regularly. You really do need to specifically seek out these masters of camouflage to get close to them and to achieve this it helps to understand a little of their habits, habitat and distribution. Seahorses…