Dancing to the Beat of a Different Drumfish
A graceful underwater ballet alongside the reefs
Catherine Anne Underwater Photography captured this dance of the drumfish while diving at Paradise Reef in Cozumel. Based on the markings, these look to be juvenile spotted drums, also known as spotted ribbonfish, which seems a very appropriate name for fish showing off those flowing ribbon-like fins.
Spotted drums are found at depths of between 3 and 30 meters, where they hang out and swim in repetitive patterns. The fish can be found in the waters of the western Atlantic Ocean, frequenting ledges, reefs and the opening of small caves that they use for shelter. At night they leave their sheltering areas to hunt for small crustaceans and worms. And to play the bongos and commune with nature in their hippie dippy drumfish circles. Groovy baby!
Source video for the gif is below:
So soothing.
Ta, Martini. Hypnotic!