Photo of the Week: May 16, 2011

Hi Gang!

In just another month or so I’ll be headed to the Philippines with Captain Steve and his gang for a couple of weeks of diving. It has been quite a while since I have been to the Philippines, but in recent years I have managed to spend quite a bit of time in the area known as the Coral Triangle. Bounded by Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Australia and the Solomon Islands etc., this region is considered to be the heart of the world’s marine biodiversity.

In preparation for my trip, I have been looking through some images that I have created in the Coral Triangle during previous trips, and I came across one of my favorite subjects, Pfeffer’s flamboyant cuttlefish (Metasepia pfefferi). It is one amazing creature! This roughly three-inch long cephalopod, a type of mollusk closely related to squids and octopi, performs stunning displays as it changes the colors, patterns and texture of its skin while it “walks” across the sea floor. Its skin turns various hues of purple, yellow, red, orange, brown and white as color, pattern and texture changes dance across its body in displays that leave most divers in awe

Specialists explain that three types of structures in the cuttlefish’s body allow for the color change. The structures are known as chromatophores, leucophores and iridophores. The simple explanation is that these small structures are filled with colored ink, and all can be expanded or contracted at will leading to the dazzling changes in appearance. It is generally believed that the changes in color, pattern and texture are used in communication and camouflage.

Pfeffer’s flamboyant cuttlefish occurs in the Coral Triangle region, and within its range it tends to be found in areas where the sea floor primarily consists of mud or sand. A very active species, this cuttlefish can often be seen hunting for small fishes and crustaceans in broad daylight.

This week’s POTW image was created with a Nikon 105 mm lens on a Nikon D300 camera that was mounted in a Subal Housing. Two Ikelite DS160 strobes were used to light the shot.

Once they have been located, Pfeffer’s flamboyant generally prove to be relatively easy subjects to stay with and photograph. That said, you do want to be careful not to disturb them because if they are left undisturbed you can often see them hunting. Neutral buoyancy and patience are often key ingredients in getting a good shot.

I hope you enjoy this week’s POTW!

See you next week,

Marty