They can't all be hits.
 

Those of you who have been following this forum for some time know that I have been following the feeding behavior of a juvenile Lysiosquillina sulcata male. I collected it on Moorea in 1992 and have been photographing its strikes for nearly three years. The animal is now about 12 cm total length and gets an average of one or two damsels a week. Some of the catches have been pretty good, but I took this near miss a couple of days ago and think it is now one of my favorites - a least from the fish's perspective!

Roy

What a fantastic picture! I really love the colors, and I'm amazed by the camera work you're able to do to capture a strike in the instant of impact.

It was captured in 2002 as a larva. I'm a decade behind the times.

Thanks. If it wasn't for the advent of digital photography, this wouldn't be possible from a purely economic aspect. I can't imagine how many rolls of film I would have burned by now.

Roy

What sort of lifespan do they have?

That picture is really cool!

Great picture! I bet that fish is happy....for now

a truly incredible picture!thanks for sharing.

Great picture Roy! :)

So how long before the mantis reloaded and got the little yellow tail? Or did the fish hide up in the seam of the tank for the rest of its life?

Wow Dr. Roy... Great picture!!! If you created a calendar with the collection of photos you have. I will buy a few of them... Just a thought, you can get them created at Walgreens cheap ;)

Very nice shot Doc! I saved it!

2nd that!

I'm confused. The mantis was captured in 1992 or 2002?

Hey I want a mantis calendar!

It was captured in 2002.

Roy

bye damsel

THIS! THIS! Magnificent quality and awesome 'pose'!!

THIS! Is what inspired me to make my 'Ultimate Multi Mantis System' and set it up for the best picture opportunities! I love these pictures and the world needs more... MORE I TELLS YAH! But...I understand your more then a busy man Dr. Caldwell but know that I intend to hopefully provide similar pictures to further provide detail of these animals!