Fifth-place finish in the Novice Macro Art category of the Ocean Art competition 2019 by Kierstin Zetterberg
In the crystal-clear waters of Kralendijk, Bonaire, a photographer recently captured a stunning image of a Chestnut Moray eel, a rare sighting at Salt Pier.
The photograph, taken using the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II camera, was a result of meticulous planning and the right equipment. The Olympus 60mm Macro Lens was used for close-up shots, while the Olympus PT-EP14 Housing protected the camera during the underwater photography session. Dual Sea & Sea YS-D2J Strobes provided the necessary lighting, and the specific camera settings of 1/200, F16, and ISO 100 ensured the eel was vividly captured.
The Chestnut Moray eel was spotted in the periphery of the photographer's vision as they were focusing on a Spotted Cleaner Shrimp. The eel, known for its boldness, was visible in a location where other marine life might be more cautious, within a coral head at Salt Pier.
Salt Pier is renowned for its rich marine biodiversity. Apart from Chestnut Moray eels, visitors can expect to see sea turtles and their hatchlings grazing on seagrass near the bottom, large schools of fish like groupers, snappers, barracudas, tarpons, and colorful reef fish, various kinds of coral and sponge formations encrusting the pier pillars, and other fish species commonly found in Bonaire waters like parrotfish, frogfish, angelfish, trumpetfish, triggerfish, trunkfish, and juvenile fish species. Marine animals like squid, rays, and occasional sharks can also be spotted, and at night or in the evenings, the pier comes alive with vibrant marine activity around the structure.
Bonaire's calm waters and superb visibility enhance the chances of seeing this variety while diving or snorkeling at Salt Pier. The site also features exquisite corals and sponges providing food and shelter to numerous fish and invertebrates.
Post-photography, the image was edited using Lightroom to reduce backscatter and highlight the Chestnut Moray eel. This rare sighting at Salt Pier is a testament to the diverse marine life that can be found in Bonaire's waters.
[1] Dive Bonaire [2] Scuba Diving [4] Underwater Tribe [5] Bonaire National Marine Park
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