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  • Portrait of a Silver Sweetlips, Diagramma pictum. Similan Islands Marine National Park, Thailand, Andaman Sea
    sl25CP.tif
  • These exquisitely colored nudibranchs, Hypselodoris bullockii, are browsing on a sloping reef. Similan Islands Marine National Park, Thailand, Andaman Sea, Indian Ocean
    nb135-2.tif
  • Among the reef's most voracious predators, a Crown-Of-Thorns Sea Star, Acanthaster plancii, devours a brain coral, leaving a white, lifeless trail in its wake. Crown-Of-Thorns have few natural enemies, and are covered with venomous spines. Periodic population explosions have caused tremendous reef damage in certain locales. Similan Islands Marine National Park, Thailand, Andaman Sea
    cot6CP.tif
  • A densely packed school of Yellowback Fusiliers, Caesio xanthonota, dominate the water column over a deep reef. Similan Islands Marine National Park, Thailand, Andaman Sea
    fus3.tif
  • Say Ahhh! A Clown Anglerfish, or Warty Frogfish, Antennarius maculatus, opens wide. Like most predators, frogfish yawn regularly to keep jaw muscles stretched and ready for action. Similan Islands Marine National Park, Thailand, Andaman Sea
    frog22CP.tif
  • Reef Squid, Sepioteuthis sp., Similan Islands Marine National Park, Thailand, Andaman Sea
    sq7norm.tif
  • A snorkeler explores sunlit shallows at Ko Similan, Similan Islands Marine National Park, Thailand
    tssp3norm_screenres.jpg
  • An example of the considerable color variation within the same species of nudibranch, a pair of Chromodoris geometrica browse among encrusting sponges. Similan Islands Marine National Park, Thailand, Andaman Sea
    nb105norm.tif
  • A snorkeler explores sunlit shallows at Ko Similan, Similan Islands Marine National Park, Thailand
    tssp3.tif
  • Snorkeler Suzy Forman relaxes on an idyllic beach at Ko Similan, Similan Islands Marine National Park, Thailand, Andaman Sea
    tssp6.tif
  • Critically endangered, the strange, ancient-looking Bowmouth Guitarfish, Rhina ancylostoma, shares characteristics of both sharks and rays, with the well-developed tail and fins of the former, as well as ventrally-located mouth and gill openings of the latter.  Similan Islands Marine National Park, Thailand, Andaman Sea
    Bowmouth Guitarfish 16x24
  • A snorkeler explores sunlit shallows at Ko Similan, Similan Islands Marine National Park, Thailand
    tssp4.tif
  • Rare photo shows two Ribbon Eels, Rhinomuraena quaesita, at different development stages, sharing the same burrow. Juveniles are mostly black, changing to neon blue as adult males. Only a small percent progress further to become all-yellow females. Similan Islands Marine National Park, Thailand, Andaman Sea
    bre13.tif
  • Thriving hard and soft corals, abundant reef fish, all signs of a healthy reef system. Similan Islands Marine National Park, Thailand,  Andaman Sea
    rss169norm.tif
  • Rarely seen by divers, a pod of False Killer Whales, Pseudorca crassidens, swims in tight formation. One individual seems to have paused momentarily to eye the photographer as its companions continue on their way. These swift predators reach 18 ft. in length, hunt in packs, and feed on large pelagic gamefish like tuna, wahoo, and sailfish. Similan Islands Marine National Park; Thailand; Andaman Sea
    mmfkw2BW.tif
  • Close-up detail of a colony of Closed Brain Coral, Oulophyllia sp., showing characteristic maze-like pattern.  Similan Islands Marine National Park, Thailand, Andaman Sea
    coraldet4LM.tif
  • Snorkeler Suzy Forman relaxes on an idyllic beach at Ko Similan, Similan Islands Marine National Park, Thailand
    tssp2.tif
  • Rocky Islet known as Similan #6, with park headquarters Ko Miang in background, as seen from liveaboard dive boat Ocean Rover. Similan Islands Marine National Park, Thailand, Andaman Sea
    tss101.tif
  • These Pixie Hawkfish, Cirrhitichthys oxycephalus, are engaged in a prolonged battle, probably over disputed territory. Similan Islands Marine National Park, Thailand, Andaman Sea
    hawkfight1.tif
  • A squadron of Jenkins Whiprays, Himantura jenkinsii, swim in tight formation. While usually found resting on the bottom, stingrays are actually very graceful swimmers, propelling themselves with a rippling, undulating motion. Similan Islands Marine National Park, Thailand, Andaman Sea
    Gliding Rays 12x18
  • A pair of Regal Angelfish, Pygoplites diacanthus, browsing amdist coral rubble.  Similan Islands Marine National Park, Andaman Sea, Thailand, Indian Ocean
    afr38CP.tif
  • This Porcelain crab, Neopetrolisthes maculatus, is perched on its host, an adhesive sea anemone. The crab uses feathery mouth parts to strain plankton from the water column; its claws are only for defense. Ko Tachai, Similan Islands Marine National Park, Thailand, Andaman Sea, Indian Ocean
    crab75.tif
  • This colorful Regal Angelfish, Pygoplites diacanthus, was swimming quickly but steadily, allowing me to compose this shot as I panned along.  In this case I kept the zoom at the 70mm length to minimize distance between lens and subject. Similan Islands Marine National Park, Thailand, Andaman Sea. Nikon F100 in Seacam housing, twin Ikelite 200 strobes, Ultra Light arms, Fujichrome Velvia 50 film.  f-8, 1/125 sec.
    afr7CP.tif
  • Reticulate Whipray, Himantura uarnak, resting on sandy bottom. Similan Islands Marine National Park, Thailand, Andaman Sea
    sr23bw.tif
  • An emperor angelfish, Pomacanthus imperator, glides among thriving soft corals, Dendonepthya sp., and schooling anthias, Similan Islands Marine National Park, Thailand, Andaman Sea
    rss174norm.tif
  • Like some kind of animated pancake, a Black-blotched or Marble Stingray, Taeniura meyeni, glides over a rocky reef, displaying the venomous barb visibile on its ribbon-shaped tail.  Wounds from such barbs are extremely painful and occasionally life-threatening, but are easily avoided. Stingrays are actually among the most gentle and docile of animals, resorting to their barbs only as a last line of defense. Similan Islands Marine National Park, Thailand, Andaman Sea; Indian Ocean
    Marbleray Descending.jpg
  • A pair of Egg Cowries, Ovula ovum, take a break from grazing to spawn, depositing eggs directly on the Sarcophyton sp. soft coral they feed upon. Similan Islands Marine National Park, Thailand, Andaman Sea
    cowrie66CP.tif
  • A Hawksbill Turtle, Eretmochelys imbricata, browses for sponges and soft corals amidst coral rubble. Similan Islands Marine National Park, Thailand, Andaman Sea
    turt84CPIX.tif
  • Armed with highly venomous fin spines, an Indian Lionfish, Pterois muricata, hovers near a fan coral. Similan Islands Marine National Park, Thailand, Andaman Sea
    lf9k64.tif
  • Twinspot Lionfish, Dendrochirus biocellatus, Similan Islands Marine National Park, Thailand, Andaman Sea
    lf55norm.tif
  • A couple in a dinghy approach an iconic granite rock pinnacle at a site called Elephant's Head, Similan Islands Marine National Park, Thailand, Andaman Sea
    tss28.tif
  • Rarely seen by divers, a pod of False Killer Whales, Pseudorca crassidens, swims in tight formation. One individual seems to have paused momentarily to eye the photographer as its companions continue on their way. These swift predators reach 18 ft. in length, hunt in packs, and feed on large pelagic gamefish like tuna, wahoo, and sailfish. Similan Islands Marine National Park; Thailand; Andaman Sea
    mmfkw2CP.tif
  • A traditional Thai Longtail Boat floats in clear, shallow waters. Similan Islands Marine National Park, Thailand, Andaman Sea
    tss4LM.tif
  • This elegant nudibranch, Caloria indica, is relatively common in the Andaman Sea. Similan Islands Marine National Park, Thailand, Andaman Sea; Indian Ocean
    nb234LM.tif
  • This colorful nudibranch, Hypselodoris bullockii, deposits an egg ribbon on the branch of a dead gorgonian. Similan Islands Marine National Park, Thailand, Andaman Sea; Indian Ocean. filename: nb134
    nb134.tif
  • A Hawksbill Turtle, Eretmochelys imbricata, cruises slowly over a deep reef, searching for sponges and coralomorphs to feed upon. Similan Islands Marine National Park, Thailand, Andaman Sea
    turt94CP.tif
  • A Western Clown Anemonefish, Amphiprion ocellaris, snuggles among the tentacles of its host sea anemone.  Similan Islands Marine National Park, Thailand, Andaman Sea
    clown7CP.tif
  • A Skunk Anemonefish, Amphiprion akallopisos, peers from the shelter of its host, a Magnificent Sea Anemone, Heteractis magnifica.  The anemonefish is immune to the tentacles' sting, allowing it to hide from predatory fish that avoid the tentacles. The anemone also benefits, as the anemonefish will fiercely defend its host. Similan Islands Marine National Park, Thailand, Andaman Sea
    clown81CP.tif
  • A school of Blue Streak Fusiliers, Pterocaesio tile, mill about over a deep reef. Similan Islands Marine National Park, Thailand, Andaman Sea
    fus1CP.tif
  • The bizarre, ancient-looking Bowmouth Guitarfish, Rhina anclystoma, shares characteristics of both sharks and rays, with the streamlined body, tall fins and powerful tail of the former, as well as the ventrally-located mouth and gill openings of the latter. Similan Islands Marine National Park, Thailand, Andaman Sea
    bmgf3CP.tif
  • Shy and reclusive during daytime, a Twin Arrow Spider Crab, Naxioides taurus, makes its way across a gorgonian fan coral. Similan Islands Marine National Park, Thailand, Andaman Sea
    crab1CP.tif
  • A curious Regal Angelfish, Pygoplites diacanthus, peers towards the photographer's lens. Similan Islands Marine National Park, Thailand, Andaman Sea, Indian Ocean
    afr75CPIX.tif
  • Ever curious, a Blue spotted grouper, Cephalopholis miniata, peers toward the lens. Similan Islands Marine National Park. Thailand,  Andaman Sea, Indian Ocean
    Blue Spotted Grouper 20x30
  • A trio of Longfin Bannerfish, Heniochus acuminatus, hover in formation in front of a fan coral. Similan Islands Marine National Park, Andaman Sea, Thailand
    bff81CP.tif
  • A Hawksbill Turtle, Eretmochelys imbricata, takes a bite from a colony of coralimorpharians. Similan Islands Marine National Park, Thailand, Andaman Sea
    turt91CPIX.tif
  • A Blue-Spotted Coral Grouper, Cephalopholis miniata, stakes out its territory amidst colorful Dendronepthya soft corals and a brilliant orange Gorgonian fan coral. Similan Islands Marine National Park, Thailand, Andaman Sea.
    rss193CPIX.tif
  • A colorful Nudibranch, Robastra luteolineata, glides across encrusting sponge. Similan Islands Marine National Park, Andaman Sea, Thailand
    nb20norm.tif
  • A Western Clown Anemonefish, Amphiprion ocellaris, snuggles among the tentacles of its host sea anemone, Heteractis magnifica. The anemonefish is immune to the tentacles' sting, allowing it to hide from predatory fish that avoid the tentacles. The anemone also benefits, as the anemonefish will fiercely defend its host. Similan Islands Marine National Park, Thailand, Andaman Sea
    clown23CP.tif
  • A miniature forest of colorful Tunicates, Didemnid sp., covers a rock surface in a high-current area. Although they appear primitive, tunicates actually posess a notochord in their juvenile stages, classifying them as chordates, related to vertebrates. Similan Islands Marine National Park, Thailand, Andaman Sea
    tun13.tif
  • A pair of Reef Bannerfish, Heniochus accuminatus, hover near a fan coral. Similan Islands Marine National Park, Thailand, Andaman Sea, Indian Ocean
    bff71CP.tif
  • A gaudy looking nudibranch, Gymnodoris rubropapulosa, makes its way across a field of filamentous algae. Similan Islands Marine National Park, Thailand, Andaman Sea
    nb316.tif
  • This slender nudibranch, commonly known as a Purple Dragon, Pteraeolidia ianthina, is thought to derive some of its nutrients from zooxanthellae, which photosynthesize while living within the nudibranch.  Similan Islands Marine National Park, Thailand, Andaman Sea
    nb39.tif
  • In a perfect example of symbiosis, a Western Skunk Anemonefish, Amphiprion akallopisos, snuggles among tentacles of its host, a Magnificent Sea Anemone, Heteractis magnifica. The fish is immune to the tentacles' sting which would kill most other fish, a situation that provides safe shelter for the Anemonefish. In return, the Anemonefish fiercely protects its host from any perceived threats. Similan Islands Marine National Park, Thailand, Andaman Sea
    clown83CP.tif
  • Ever curious, a Blue spotted grouper, Cephalopholis miniata, peers toward the lens. Thailand, Andaman Sea, Similan Islands Marine National Park.
    group87CPIX.tif
  • This pair of Solar Eclipse nudibranchs, Chromodoris leopardus, appear to be snuggling affectionately. In reality, they are probably just sharing the same food source.  Similan Islands Marine National Park, Thailand, Andaman Sea
    nb40.tif
  • Nudibranch, Dermatobranchus ornatus,  Similan Islands Marine National Park, Thailand, Andaman Sea
    nb21.tif
  • A curious Clown Triggerfish, Balistoides conspicillum, peers into the photographer's lens. Similan Islands Marine National Park, Thailand, Andaman Sea
    ct7.tif
  • These esquisitely colored nudibranchs, Hypselodoris bullockii, are browsing at the deep edge of a sloping drop-off. Similan Islands Marine National Park, Thailand, Andaman Sea. filename: nb135
    nb135.tif
  • A Emperor Angelfish, Pomacanthus imperator, passes close to the photographer's lens.  Similan Islands Marine National Park, Andaman Sea, Thailand, Indian Ocean
    afemp15CP.tif
  • Appropriately named, a Long-nosed butterflyfish, Forcipiger longirostris, forages amidst coral rubble.  Similan Islands Marine National Park, Thailand, Andaman Sea.
    bff114CP.tif
  • This pair of Indian Flame Basslets, Pseudanthias ignitus, are courting in mid-water, as they often do at dusk.  The female, above, pales in comparison to the vividly colored male, which displays its most brilliant coloration during such mating rituals.  The pair mated moments after this photo was taken, releasing eggs and sperm into the water column, to be taken wherever the current carried them.  Similan Islands Marine National Park, Andaman Sea, Thailand
    anth15CP.tif
  • The stiking coloration of this juvenile Emperor Angelfish, Pomecanthus imperator, changes completely as it approaches maturity. Similan Islands Marine National Park, Andaman Sea, Thailand
    afempj1CP.tif
  • Primarily nocturnal, Spotfin Lionfish, Pterois antennata, move into the open at dusk to feed. Like all members of the scorpionfish tribe, they are equipped with sharp, hollow fin rays that can inject a powerful venom, used for self-defense. Similan Islands Marine National Park, Thailand, Andaman Sea
    lf45CP.tif
  • This brilliantly colored creature, only a few inches in length, is a Longnose Filefish, Oxymonacanthus longirostris. Its long snout and relatively small mouth enable it to reach down among Acropora corals where it feeds on the polyps. Similan Islands Marine National Park, Thailand, Andaman Sea
    ff11CP.tif
  • Yellow and Whitestriped Pygmygoby, Eviota mikiae, resting on boulder coral. Similan Islands, Thailand, Andaman Sea
    goby11norm.tif
  • This Porcelain crab, Neopetrolisthes maculatus, is perched on its host, an adhesive sea anemone. The crab makes its living by straining plankton from the water column; its massive claws are only for defense.  Ko Tachai, Similan Islands Marine National Park, Thailand, Andaman Sea, Indian Ocean
    crab71PHOTOSHELTER.tif
  • Although they differ in coloration, these two nudibranchs, Flabellina sp., are probably the same species. Similan Islands Marine National Park, Thailand, Andaman Sea. filename: nb11
    nb11.tif
  • A Western Clown Anemonefish, Amphiprion ocellaris, peers from among the tentacles of its host sea anemone. Similan Islands Marine National Park, Thailand, Andaman Sea. filename: clown19
    clown19.tif
  • Elements of 2 worlds, a traditional Thai fishing boat and modern cruise ship share an anchorage. Similan Islands Marine National Park, Thailand, Andaman Sea
    tss26.tif
  • Magnificent Sea Anemone, Heteractis magnifica, close-up of mouth, surrounded by tentacles.  Although the tentacles are equipped with stinging cells that are lethal to many fish, most humans find the sting unnoticable, except in particularly sensitive areas. Similan Islands Marine National Park, Thailand, Andaman Sea
    anem1CP.tif
  • This Ornate Angel Shark, Squatina tergocellata, is superbly camouflaged, a key trait for an ambush predator.  Normally inhabiting cool, temperate waters, this specimen was photographed in Thailand, deep within the tropics, during a year with unusually cool water temperatures.  Similan Islands Marine National Park, Andaman Sea, Thailand
    angsh1CP.tif
  • A Blue-spotted Coral Grouper, Cephalopholis miniata, says Ahhh while a Skunk cleaner shrimp, Lysmata amboinensis, inspects it for parasites. In a perfect example of symbiosis, the shrimp feeds on the parasites it removes, thus benefitting both parties.  Supremely confident in its status as a valued partner, the shrimp grooms its customers from head to tail, sometimes even crawling inside the mouth. Similan Islands Marine National Park, Thailand, Andaman Sea
    symb2CP.tif
  • A trio of Longfin Bannerfish, Heniochus acuminatus, hover in formation in mid-water.  Similan Islands Marine National Park, Andaman Sea, Thailand. filename: bff68
    bff26.tif
  • The brilliantly colored Yellow-Mask Angelfish, Pomacanthus xanthometopon, is often shy and difficult to approach.  Similan Islands Marine National Park, Andaman Sea, Thailand
    afym2CP.tif
  • Reef Squid, Sepioteuthis sp., Similan Islands Marine National Park, Thailand, Andaman Sea
    sq14CPix.tif
  • A boldy patterned Meyer's Butterflyfish, Chaetodon meyersi, meanders among hard corals. Similan Islands Marine National Park, Thailand, Andaman Sea
    bff115CP.tif
  • Close-up of an encrusting sponge colony, Nara nematifera, showing distinctive pattern of white fibers throughout its outer tissues. Koh Tachai, Similan Islands Marine National Park, Thailand, Andaman Sea
    spongedet1LM.tif
  • Showing off its attractive blue lips, a Three Spot Angelfish, Apolemichthys trimaculatus, peers out at from a rocky crevice.  Similan Islands Marine National Park, Andaman Sea, Thailand
    afts1bcCP.tif
  • This Tahitian Stingray, Himantura fai, is being cleaned by a pair of Bluestreak Cleaner Wrasse, Labroides dimidiatus. A perfect example of symbiosis, the relationship benefits both parties; the wrasses make an easy meal of any parasites while the ray is relieved of bothersome pests. Similan Islands Marine National Park, Thailand, Andaman Sea
    symb10CP.tif
  • A school of Lunar-tail Bigeyes, Priacanthus hamrur, hover in formation as an underwater photographer approaches.  Similan Islands Marine National Park, Andaman Sea, Thailand
    beyeschd2CP.tif
  • A curious Semicircle Angelfish, Pomacanthus semicirculatus, peers out from a rocky overhang.  Koh Tachai, Similan Islands Marine National Park, Andaman Sea, Thailand
    afsc1CP.tif
  • A trio of Indian Lionfish, Pterois muricata, work together to herd baitfish. Similan Islands Marine National Park, Thailand, Andaman Sea
    lf30CP.tif
  • A Porcelain crab, Neopetrolisthes maculatus, perches upon its sea anemone host.  Ko Tachai, Thailand, Andaman Sea, Indian Ocean
    crab18CP.tif
  • Similan Island Number 9, Ko Bangu, seen from Number 8, Ko Similan. Located some 40 miles off Thailand's west coast, the Similans are considered the Jewel of Thailand's Marine National Park system. Similan Islands, Thailand, Andaman Sea.
    Similans 8 and 9 topside_screenres.jpg
  • Similan Island Number 9, Ko Bangu, seen from Number 8, Ko Similan. Located some 40 miles off Thailand's west coast, the Similans are considered the Jewel of Thailand's Marine National Park system. Similan Islands, Thailand, Andaman Sea.
    tss16.tif
  • A yacht is moored at Similan Island Number 9, Ko Bangu, seen from Number 8, Ko Similan. Located some 40 miles off Thailand's west coast, the Similans are considered the Jewel of Thailand's Marine National Park system. Similan Islands, Thailand, Andaman Sea.
    tss15.tif
  • An easy hike provides a great view of an idyllic beach at Ko Similan, Similan Islands National Marine Park, Thailand, Andaman Sea
    tss6normscreenres.jpg
  • A yacht is moored at Similan Island Number 9, Ko Bangu, seen from Number 8, Ko Similan. Located some 40 miles off Thailand's west coast, the Similans are considered the Jewel of Thailand's Marine National Park system. Similan Islands, Thailand, Andaman Sea.
    tss17.tif
  • A school of Lunar-Tail Bigeyes, Priacanthus hamrur, hover over a garden of staghorn coral.  Similan Islands Marine National Park, Andaman Sea, Thailand, Indian Ocean. filename: beyesch2
    bff68.tif
  • A tiny Blenny peers from its home, an empty wormhole, surrounded by encrusting sponge.  Similan Islands Marine National Park, Thailand, Andaman Sea, Indian Ocean
    blen3.tif
  • Close up detail of Soft Coral, Dendronepthya sp.  Similan Islands Marine National Park, Thailand, Indian Ocean
    coraldet3norm.tif
  • A diver observes a golden damselfish, Amblyglyphidodon aureus, while hovering above  lush colonies of soft coral and crinoids.  Similan Islands Marine National Park, Andaman Sea, Thailand, Indian Ocean
    rssd30CPIX.tif
  • A school of White-Collar Butterflyfish, Chaetodon collare, hover in formation in mid-water. Similan Islands Marine National Park, Thailand, Andaman Sea
    Whitecollar Butterflyfish School 20 x 30
  • A Blue-Spotted Coral Grouper, Cephalopholis miniata, patrols among colorful soft corals and gorgonians.  Similan Islands Marine National Park, Thailand, Andaman Sea, Indian Ocean
    rss156norm.tif
  • This nudibranch, Phyllidia ocellata, occurs in a wide variety of coloration and markings. Similan Islands Marine National Park, Thailand, Andaman Sea
    nb406norm.tif
  • Docile and supremely graceful, a Zebra Shark, Stegostoma fasciatum, cruises through mid-water. Ko Tachai, Similan Islands Marine National Park, Thailand, Andaman Sea
    ls101_D800.tif
  • A young Whale Shark, Rhincodon typus, cruises just below the surface.  Koh Tachai, Similan Islands Marine National Park, Andaman Sea, Thailand.
    ws24CP.tif
  • This tiny Boxer crab, Lybia tesselata, carries a pair of anemones in its claws, brandishing them like boxing gloves if threatened by a predator. Similan Islands Marine National Park, Thailand, Andaman Sea, Indian Ocean
    crab17.tif