A crescent-tailed bigeye (Priacanthus hamrur) seems to wear its emotions on its sleeve—or on its whole body. This sequence of three frames of the same fish shows how it can change from largely silver to striped to solid orange-red, a transformation that occurs in a matter of seconds. Pigment cells in its skin, called chromatophores, allow it to change color, but scientists don't yet know what each color pattern signifies. Sometimes a sudden shift in color can be used to startle potential predators or threaten intruders. Red light dissipates beyond about 30 feet (10 meters), so the reddish hue of this fish would appear black in deeper waters, allowing some degree of invisibility for this nocturnal hunter.
Photo Fast Facts
Camera: Nikon F100 Film Type: Fujichrome Velvia 100 Lens: 105mm macro Speed and F-Stop: 1/60 @ f/11
Weather Conditions: Sunny Time of Day: Late morning Lighting Techniques: Two strobe lights
