Spotted Drumfish are hard to resist for an underwater photographer. They are typically shy fish, found under coral heads swimming endlessly in circles and “figure eights”, making their movements very predictable. In addition, the Spotted Drumfish go through very dramatic changes as they grow from juveniles to adults. The juveniles are very delicate with very long flowing fins – appearing almost as ribbons as the fish dance in the water. Even with the predictable swimming patterns, the juveniles can be a challenge to photograph given their preference for hard to reach locations, small size and agility – but well worth the effort.
As the fish start to mature, the fins get proportionately smaller and the fish start to lose their delicate build – but they continue to swim in endless circles. In addition, as they mature the fish start to develop distinctive white spots along the dorsal fin and tail.
Equipment and settings: Nikon D850 / 60mm / INON z330 strobes / f20 / 1/125th / ISO 160.
Location: Marie Pampoen, Curaçao
