2026 Edition

Shane Gross

Ocean BNB

Crested sculpin and lion’s mane jellyfish, United States, 2022

Category - Ocean

Ocean BNB

Very little is known about the cold-water fish known as the crested sculpin (Blepsias bilobus) or the fish’s relationship with the lion’s mane jellyfish (Cyanea capillata). It seems to be immune to the stinging nematocysts on the jellyfish’s tentacles and to use them as protection against predators. They have also been observed nibbling on the tentacles, so they do not have to travel far for food. This image was taken in the chilly waters of Prince William Sound, Alaska. The boat captain spotted a few lion’s mane jellyfish and slowed down to take a closer look. That’s when we spotted this golden fish.

HONOURABLE MENTION

17 mm f/3.5-4.5 Lens - 1/320 sec at f/11 ISO 500