One of the most colourful species of fish found in the Pacific Northwest is the Red Irish Lord (Hemilepidotus hemilepidotus). Diving in tropical waters around the world you run into hundreds of different plants and animals brilliantly coloured, however in the Eastern Pacific there are far fewer plants and animals. One of the exceptions is this member of the sculpin family.
These bottom dwelling little fish are ambush predators and part of their amazing colour patterns is to blend in with the reefs and rocks around them.
These master of camouflage blend in just perfectly into their surroundings making them just fade into the sub-straight. Once spotted they make for a glorious image.
One truly wondrous adaptation of the Red Irish Lord is its multicoloured flecks that are ever present in their striking eyes. Lighting the flecks up just right shows off the golden to green hues that resinate from their eyes.
Found as far north as Alaska all the way down the coast to Northern California the Red Irish Lord are typically found at recreational diving depth but has been seen as deep as 400 plus feet.
Photographing these little guys can be challenging but so rewarding. Capturing the brilliance in their years and the colours in their bodies can make your day on any dive.
For more images of Red Irish Lords and other sculpin species: http://www.scottstevensonphotography.ca/ocean/
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