Smithsonian magazine's 22nd Annual Photo Contest | Made possible through the support of MPB.com

22nd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Artistic
Harmony in Motion: Brown Surgeonfish Aggregation

During a designated timeframe spanning several weeks each year, the northern Red Sea plays host to a remarkable natural phenomenon – the congregation of numerous brown surgeonfish for their annual reproductive ritual. As the sun gracefully descends, these marine denizens partake in a captivating spawning spectacle, forming small groups that elegantly leap in unison, ultimately culminating in a synchronized release of reproductive material. Immersed in this mesmerizing moment, I used a slow shutter speed to capture the graceful motion of the fish school as I freedived, adding a touch of artistry through motion blur.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 06.2022
Date Uploaded: 11.2024
Photo Location: Eilat, Israel
Camera: ILCE-7RM3
Copyright: © Tom Shlesinger