To get this close.... it has to be because the turtle is cool with it.
And, this guy was good with being in my pixtures.
Hawksbill's have an elongated, head that ends in beak-like mouth.... that is the feature that gives them their name.
Adults grow to 3ft in length and weigh 180 lbs.... on average.
Their range covers.... the Indian, Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.
Of all the sea turtle species, this is the one most associated with warm tropical waters.
Sponges make up 70-95% of their diets, in the Caribbean.
However, like many spongivores, they feed only on select species.... ignoring the others.
Surely this is one of those faces that only a mother could love.
The Barracuda is a ray-finned fish.... known for it's large size and fearsome appearance.
Some of the species can reach nearly 7 ft in length.
They are a voracious, opportunistic predator.
Relying on surprise and short bursts of speed.... up to 27 mph to overtake prey.
Barracuda prey primarily on fish.... which include some as large as themselves.
They kill and consume larger prey by tearing chunks of flesh.
Often competing against mackerel, needle fish.... and sometimes even dolphins for prey.
I love these little guys... Juvenile Spotted Drumfish.
I have in the past.... described them as swimming with the grace of a feather.
But that really doesn't describe the silky flexibility that characterizes their movement.
They move like an eddy in the wind.... with stripes.
And move they do.... making them both a pleasure to watch and challenge to photograph.
