Spotted Scorpionfish (Scorpaena plumieri) – Blue Heron Bridge, Riviera Beach, Fl
Scorpo’s can be some of the most satisfying fluorescent subjects due to the algal growth they cultivate on their bodies for camouflage. This algae is normally brownish yellow (see image below) and helps the scorpionfish blend in with the reef bottom for stealthy predation both during the day as well as at night. They lie still like a rock, using their large eyes to scan the nearby area, waiting for something to come too dangerously/unwittingly close to its mouth. This shot shows the magnificent array of colors that explode awake when excited by fluorescent blue light.
Canon G15, Nauticam NAG15, Fix Neo Blue Dx1200, 65mm Yellow filter
1/80 sec, f/2.8, ISO800
Image of Spotted Scorpionfish taken with regular (white) light, showing its normal coloration.