Mikael Kulig, Pier Pressure (ANIMAL 2024)

Welcome to an underwater adventure at Clifton Gardens Wharf! Night diving here is like stepping into a whole new universe. When the sun sets and the day visitors bid adieu, the ocean turns into a magical mystery tour. Creatures that usually keep hidden during the day come out to play, giving us a glimpse into their nocturnal behaviors and adding an element of surprise to every dive. It never gets old! Portrait of a Seahorse: Fragile and enchanting, seahorses are a marvel of nature. Did you know that seahorses are one of the few species in which the male carries and nurtures the eggs until they hatch? Tiger Pipefish Amidst Krill: These elongated cousins of seahorses, found only in Australia, are sneaky masters of disguise. As you look at this photo, imagine the mosquito-like movements of the tiny krill surrounding the tiger pipefish. Krill play a vital role in the marine food chain, sustaining countless creatures ranging from blue whales to tiny fish in size. Blenny in a Bottle: Do I get three wishes? The blenny peeking its head out of a bottle is a reminder of the unexpected places where marine life thrives. Blennies are known for their curious behavior and diverse habitats. Most of the time, scuba divers pick up all kinds of trash they find along a dive. However, this glass bottle stays put since it has an occupant inside.

Images have been resized for web display, which may cause some loss of image quality. Note: Original high-resolution images are used for judging.