Subject: The Peacock Sole (Pardachirus pavoninus), a bottom dweller is a species of flatfish that is found in the coastal waters of the Indian Ocean, from the Red Sea to the western Pacific Ocean. This fish is a popular subject for underwater videography, as its unique appearance, its flat and beige coloured body make it perfectly adapted to live on sandy bottoms. and behaviour make for fascinating footage.
Underwater videography and photography has become increasingly popular in recent years, as advances in technology have made it easier to capture high-quality footage in even the most challenging environments. The Peacock Sole is one species that has benefited from this trend, as videographers are able to capture its behaviour in its natural habitat.
One of the most interesting aspects of the Peacock Sole is its eyes. Like all flatfish, the Peacock Sole undergoes a remarkable transformation as it grows from a juvenile to an adult. When the fish is born, its eyes are located on either side of its head, just like any other fish. However, as the Peacock Sole grows and matures, one eye migrates to the other side of its head, so that both eyes are on the same side.
This may seem like a strange adaptation, but it actually serves an important purpose. The Peacock Sole is a bottom-dwelling fish, and it spends much of its time lying on the ocean floor, buried in the sand. By moving both of its eyes to one side of its head, the Peacock Sole is able to keep both eyes pointed upward, giving it a clear view of its surroundings even as it lies hidden in the sand.
The migration of the eye from juvenile to adult is a gradual process that takes place over several months. As the Peacock Sole grows, its skull and eye socket shift and change shape, allowing the eye to move gradually from one side of the head to the other. During this time, the fish's brain also undergoes changes to accommodate the new position of the eye.
Underwater videography has allowed researchers and enthusiasts to capture this transformation in detail, providing valuable insights into the development and behaviour of this fascinating species. By studying video footage of Peacock Sole in their natural habitat, scientists and underwater videographers have been able to learn more about their hunting and feeding behaviour, as well as their interaction with other species.
One interesting behaviour that has been captured on video is the way that Peacock Sole use their fins to stir up the sand on the ocean floor. By moving their fins back and forth, the fish are able to create a small cloud of sand that can help to disorient their prey and make it easier to catch.
Another fascinating aspect of the Peacock Sole is its ability to change color and pattern to blend in with its surroundings. When the fish is resting on the ocean floor, it will often take on a mottled appearance that closely matches the color and texture of the sand around it. However, when it is threatened or disturbed, the Peacock Sole will quickly change its color and pattern to become more visible and deter potential predators.
Whether you are a underwater videographer or photographer, the Peacock Sole is a species that is sure to capture your imagination and spark your interest in the wonders of the underwater world.
Technique: This shot has been captured with a diopter (close-up lens). These lenses make it possible to reveal all the fine and small details, that would otherwise be lost to the eye (like the tube-like nostril and the jigsaw edged lips).
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