Yifan Ling, US – Human connection,

This photo was taken in April 2024, off Point No Point in Washington. In Puget Sound, there is a community of people who prefer watching orcas from the land rather than from boats. Land-based whale watchers in Puget Sound can sometimes get lucky, as these wild apex predators occasionally approach the shore, seemingly curious about their human spectators.

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#orcas

Ysabela Coll, #Mexico

With a powerful sweep of its pectoral fins, a stingray vanishes into the blue, leaving behind a swirling cloud of sand. “This dramatic burst isn’t just beautiful – it’s a survival tactic,” says Coll.

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#ocean
#stingray

A batfish lies on the seabed. “Polka-dot batfish are a common sight in Florida waters, but they are notoriously difficult to photograph,” says Sullivan. “After years of trying, this individual seemed relaxed, and I was able to finally take a head-on portrait.”

Matthew Sullivan, #US

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#ocean
#batfish

A sheep nudibranch (Costasiella kuroshimae) deposits its eggs in a circular arrangement while feeding on algae, which enables kleptoplasty, effectively making the nudibranch solar-powered. “The algal substrate provides a microhabitat for early egg development,” says Mazarese. “It demonstrates the relationship between feeding, habitat selection, and reproductive success.”

Giancarlo Mazarese, #Philippines

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#ocean
#nudibranch

Ben Thouard, #Portugal – Ocean adventure

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#ocean
#waves
#boat

Two amphipods from the Cyproideidae family, each around 3mm in body length, rest on a coral. Commonly called “ladybugs of the sea”, these tiny creatures display striking colouration and symmetry.

Yury Ivanov, #Indonesia

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#ocean
#MarineLife
#amphipods