Snapshots of Signal Blennies Captured
Photographing Elusive Signal Blennies in the Sea of Cortez
The Sea of Cortez, also known as the Gulf of California, is home to a diverse array of marine life, including the small and elusive signal blennies. These benthic reef fish are often found in rocky reef habitats or near coral and rock crevices at shallow to moderate depths.
Locating Signal Blennies
To find signal blennies, look for areas with abundant small holes, crevices, or encrusting algae where these blennies tend to hide or perch. They are most commonly found on rubbly sandy bottoms near rocky reefs.
Approaching Signal Blennies
Approaching signal blennies requires patience and careful movement. These fish are often wary and quick to retreat, so move slowly and calmly to avoid sudden movements or disturbances. Use slow finning techniques and maintain neutral buoyancy to minimize water disturbance and shadows. Getting close enough without startling the fish is crucial.
Photographing Signal Blennies
Since signal blennies are small and often stay close to their shelters, a macro or mid-range macro lens is recommended for sharp close-up images. Equipment such as the Nauticam MFO-3 (Mid-range Focus Optimizer 3) can be very useful. It extends the effective working distance of 50-100 mm macro lenses underwater, allowing you to maintain a comfortable distance while capturing sharply focused images with a wider field of view.
When photographing signal blennies, it's recommended to put the camera's drive mode into high continuous shooting. To capture a good photograph, slightly over expose the blennies to show details in their colors and create a nice light background. A blue background looks nice as well.
Techniques such as steady positioning, controlled breathing, and employing diffused lighting or strobes to reduce harsh reflections will enhance image quality. Patience is key; signal blennies may become more tolerant as you stay still.
Species-Specific Tips
The Gulf signal blenny, or Emblemaria hypacanthus, is an extremely small blenny endemic to the Gulf of California. Male signal blennies periodically emerge from their holes and flash their dorsal fins in quick succession to define their territory. Signal blennies live in groups with carefully defined territories.
When using single point AF, move the focus point above and to the side of the signal blenny when it is resting. Autofocus tracking could also work, but may struggle to keep up with the blenny's movement.
Shooting Parameters
Shooting signal blenny photos requires a high shutter speed to freeze their motion and small apertures (high f-stop) for maximum focus. Mature adult signal blennies reach a total length of 5 cm (2 inches).
Persistence is Key
Getting a great signal blenny shot may not happen on the first try, so it's important to take your time and spend as much time as needed with the subject and multiple dives. Approaching signal blennies is difficult, and they are one of the hardest fish to photograph. But with patience and the right techniques, capturing stunning images of these elusive creatures is within reach.
[1] Source: Underwater Photography Guide [2] Source: Sea of Cortez Diving Guide
- The Gulf of California, famously known as the Sea of Cortez, serves as the home for a variety of marine species, including the intriguing signal blennies.
- To locate signal blennies, search for areas rich in small holes, crevices, or encrusting algae, as they typically hide or perch there.
- Photographing signal blennies necessitates patience, careful movement, and the use of a macro or mid-range macro lens for detailed close-up shots.
- To capture a good image of a signal blenny, set your camera's drive mode to high continuous shooting, slightly over expose the blenny, and consider a blue background for an appealing look.
- Techniques like steady positioning, controlled breathing, and the use of diffused lighting or strobes help improve image quality when photographing signal blennies.
- The Gulf signal blenny, or Emblemaria hypacanthus, is an endemic species to the Gulf of California, with males displaying territorial behavior through dorsal fin flashes.
- Persistence and the right techniques are essential for capturing stunning photographs of signal blennies, one of the most challenging fish to photograph, even after multiple dives. (References: Underwater Photography Guide, Sea of Cortez Diving Guide)
