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Coral Reef Color
MAY 2005
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The Stories Stripes Can Tell
Photograph by Tim Laman
Bold horizontal bands of black, white, and yellow pop out on a well-lighted sweetlips (Plectorhinchus polytaenia) in Indonesia. The pattern and colors actually help distort the fish's outline when seen in natural light at a distance through water, helping the animal disappear from the view of potential predators. Nearby, a neon cleaner wrasse also wears stark stripes. These little fish eat parasites off the flesh and mouths of other fish. The wrasse's stripes may signal that it is a useful helper rather than a ready meal. Neon wrasses vary in coloration geographically. A yellow cast near the head (as shown here) indicates an Indonesian species; in Fiji many neon wrasses have a yellow blaze near the tail.
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Photo Fast Facts
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Camera: Nikon F100
Film Type: Fujichrome Velvia 100
Lens: 60mm macro
Speed and F-Stop: 1/60 @ f/11
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Weather Conditions: Sunny
Time of Day: Morning
Lighting Techniques: Two strobe lights
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