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Rare and endangered Australian Sea Lions play in the shallows of Hopkins Island, South Australia. ©Michael Patrick O’Neill
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Wrapping up a great trip to Malawi, where most of it was spent underwater photographing the unique fish life nowhere else. One of the toughest shots to get right is when the female fish, a mouth brooder, recalls her fry when predators approach. It happens super fast and everything has to come together just right. I took this one earlier today. Enjoy! Copyright Michael Patrick O’Neill #likoma #africancichlids #lakemalawi #uwphotos #yourshotphotographer #scuba #africa #freshwater
What a treat to photograph the critically endangered Chindongo saulosi earlier today at Taiwan Reef (Lake Malawi), the only location in the lake and world where this species is found. Excessive collecting for the aquarium trade (for primarily European countries) has resulted in a steep decline of fish in the wild. It makes no sense to me since they are farmed raised by the 000s and are hardier and cheaper (and just as pretty) as wild caught fish. Juveniles and females are bright yellow, and males are blue black. Copyright Michael Patrick O’Neill #lakemalawi #lakemalawicichlids #saulosi #mbuna #malawi #africa #scubadiving #macrophotography #freshwater
One of the many little jewels from Lake Malawi, where I’m wrapping up a great trip photographing the endemic fish found nowhere else on the planet. This little guy (Cynotilapia zebroides Red Top; 3-4 inches) is found at Ndumbi Rocks north of Likoma Island, where I’m based. Copyright Michael Patrick O’Neill #malawi #africancichlids #scuba #africa #freshwater #uwpics #yourshotphotographer #nikon #underwater #underwaterphotography
Dive into the world’s largest freshwater aquarium!
Motherly love: A female Tyrannochromis macrostoma (~8 inches TL) shares a tender moment w her young, who crowd near her to be gently picked up and protected in her mouth against predators. A formidable fish eater herself, she belongs to the cichlid family and is endemic to Lake Malawi, where I’m at now (#LikomaIsland) photographing these incredible fish. There are hundreds of species found only in this massive lake, and they fill every ecological niche, from predators to algae grazers and even plankton eaters. They are all maternal mouthbrooders and incubate both eggs and subsequently young for several weeks to give them a head start in life. Having traveled all over the world taking photos, I would rather be nowhere else practicing my craft. More to come. Copyright Michael Patrick O’Neill #lakemalawi #lakemalawicichlids #freshwater #africancichlid #underwater #africa #yourshotphotographer
The fish pictures can wait. A barking dog alerted me to the approaching fisherman. I had my camera ready. In the background is Chizimulu Island. Headed there soon. Copyright Michael Patrick O’Neill #malawi #sunset #planetearth #yourshotphotographer #lakemalawi #nightfall #nikon850 #fishermen #africa #earthpix
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