On the house reef at Dauin, Philippines, I saw a remarkable scene of Black-Saddled Tobies (Canthigaster valentini). As the pair swirled upward through the water, I was fortunate to be in position to shoot part of the sequence. None of these are great photos by themselves, but together they make a pretty cool sequence. I've had several opinions on the fishes' behavior, including Ned Deloach, and the consensus seems to be that these are two males having a territorial dispute.
Nikon D200 with 60mm micro lens. Thank goodness for autofocus and fresh batteries in the strobe.
Excellent sequence of shots you've got here!
What amazes me is why two males would be playing around in each others genital area. Looks a bit odd for fighting behaviour in my mind!
Really cool sequence Jim; probably would make a great collage print.
That's awesome Jim - great sequence. I have the same questions as Grah-ham. I'll ask my fish-geek friend Doug Weaver when I see him next week.
Cheers
James
Really nice work, Jimmy...
Was that sequence shot using AF-S or AF-C ??
Exceptional effort to track and shoot and retain composition...
Bruce...
Thanks, fellows. Bruce, I was using AF-S with the 60mm.
I would welcome any ideas on what the two tobies are doing. I initially assumed it was some kind of mating ritual, but now I'm not so sure after some of the comments I've received.
nice.
Jim, did you use a focus light?
Jim, did you use a focus light?
No focus light, but we were fairly shallow and even though the viz was limited, there was enough light for the 60mm (f/2.8).
Thats cool, Jim!!
If they are fighting they bite them in their...... ....ouch!!!!!
If they are not fighting and this are two males....what they are doing????
Those are low blows, someone should acquaint them with the Marquis of Queensberry rules
It was obviously no bites-barred as they were quarrelling over the right to be the next NatGeo star!!!
It was obviously no bites-barred as they were quarrelling over the right to be the next NatGeo star!!!
