Credit: Ilan Ben Tov/Solent
This little fish had no signs of hesitation as it swum up to divers and photobombed their picture. Despite its tiny size, the 15cm long Trunkfish (Ostraciidae) was far from camera-shy and pouted at divers in the Red Sea, off Israel. The Thornback Trunkfish, who was swimming on his own, took a liking to the divers and decided to playfully interact with them.
Photographer’s view
“This specific Trunkfish is in love with divers, especially underwater photographers that pass through its territory. The fish likes to view its reflection in the camera lens,” says Ilan Ben Tov, 48, software engineer and underwater photographer from Israel.
Photos done over the weekend
“It is always a great experience when underwater creatures are not intimidated by you and are interacting with you,” says Tov, who lives just a 3-hour ride from the Red Sea. “The pictures were taken in a weekend of photography that I do every month in Eilat, which is located in the northern part of the Gulf of Aqaba and has excellent diving conditions.”
By the numbers: 7
The width of this species of fish is 7 centimeters (2.75 in.). It’s usually 15 centimeters (6 in.) in length and lives a solitary life.
