I have photographed hunting Blacklip Abalone (Haliotis rubra), at Port Noarlunga before and commented on their utterly mad night time appearance of green eyes, tentacles and snailfish encrusted shell.

Observing images like this afterwards is always an eye opening lesson in observation for me. While photographing this guy, all I noticed as the abalone made its way across the reef was the abalone. On closer scrutiny, looking at a larger image in the comfort of sitting at my desk, I noticed something more. Can you see that this abalone is on the menu for dinner? It will not be a human that consumes this delicacy this evening but the stalking octopus creeping up from behind!

Next time I will be on the lookout for the bigger story unfolding in the scene.

Photo: Robert Rath, ‘Abalone on the Menu’ 1/160s f/22 ISO400 100mm