We had an incredible Goliath aggregation in Sept/Oct in Palm Beach Cty, FL with spawning activity and baitballs of cigar minnows (aka round scad). The Goliaths were thick, in groups of 40-60, and in pairs spawning with the baitballs almost all the way to the surface (safety stop depth). Truly outstanding. Meant to post earlier but due to travel unable to do so. The spawning aggregation attracts Goliaths from over 100 miles away. I believe many have never seen divers as they allowed us to even pet them! Lots of behavior (scratching) photo opps too.
Photographed with the D2x and 16mm and 10.5mm lenses. Aquatica housing, TLC arms and Inons.
outstanding shots Michael.. you can really get a sense of how big these fish are with the diver in there. Nice example of wildlife behaviour as well
I think i recognize the ugly yellow suit...
Great work!
That looks like it was one heck of a fun dive. I love the shot with the grouper coming out of the bait ball of fish 7491.
Great stuff
Todd
Great subject. I really like 7491.
Another for 7491 and one for 7508.
Great stuff, as always, Michael.
I agree -- it was a great season for the Goliath Groupers. Not up to your standards, but here's the best I got this year:
Doug
Awesome,
I'm really envious; I dived off Jupiter a couple of months ago, saw some great grouper/baitball combos but the viz sucked.
Thanks for the positive remarks. Doug - good work! - and let me know when you're around because I on occassion charter a boat along with one more photographer and spend the day shooting cool stuff around here. Most of these shots came during a private charter.
All the best,
Michael
www.mpostock.com
I like 7491, too. Tough subjects, with lots of movement and a big contrast in how reflective the grouper and the baitfish are. Thanks for sharing.
Michael:
Thanks for the offer. I'll definitely give you a call. I'll probably be back down that way in mid December.
Doug
Nice photos Michael. I just saw one of your grouper photos in the January 2007 Scuba Diving magazine which just arrived in my mailbox.
David
Great stuff. And rare too these days. Thanks for posting them, Michael.
