Ocean Photographer of the Year 2025 in pictures

"A batfish lies on the seabed. Polka-dot batfish are a common sight in Florida waters, but they are notoriously difficult to photograph, says Sullivan. After years of trying, this individual seemed relaxed, and I was able to finally take a head-on portrait With a powerful sweep of its pectoral fins, a stingray vanishes into the blue, leaving behind a swirling cloud of sand. This dramatic burst isn't just beautiful it's a survival tactic, says Coll"

"A sheep nudibranch (Costasiella kuroshimae) deposits its eggs in a circular arrangement while feeding on algae, which enables kleptoplasty, effectively making the nudibranch solar-powered. The algal substrate provides a microhabitat for early egg development, says Mazarese. It demonstrates the relationship between feeding, habitat selection, and reproductive success A rough Nazare day. The wind came from the north which made the surf tricky, says Thouard. Not many surfers went out and it was hard to shoot anything because of the big sets but eventually, this moment occurred"

"Two amphipods from the Cyproideidae family, each around 3mm in body length, rest on a coral. Commonly called ladybugs of the sea, these tiny creatures display striking colouration and symmetry A turtle swims through an underwater aurora. This image was taken near Mount Iwo, where the underwater aurora can be seen, says Tsuchiya. The volcano spews out iron-rich substances from above ground and from the ocean floor, creating these colours"

Polka-dot batfish rest on the seabed and can be difficult to photograph, though relaxed individuals allow close head-on portraits. Stingrays sweep pectoral fins to vanish into the blue, leaving swirling sand clouds that serve as survival tactics. Sheep nudibranchs (Costasiella kuroshimae) deposit eggs in circular arrangements while feeding on algae, enabling kleptoplasty and providing a microhabitat for early egg development that connects feeding, habitat selection, and reproductive success. Tiny Cyproideidae amphipods display striking coloration and symmetry. Turtles swim through iron-rich underwater auroras near Mount Iwo. Land-based watchers can occasionally observe orcas approaching shores, and larval pufferfish begin life as plankton.

Read at www.theguardian.com