Title: "Recluse"

A male Pygmy Seahorse, Hippocampus bargibanti, clinging to a gorgonian sea fan

Loloata Island, Papua New Guinea, September, 2004

TOTAL EDITION: 500

SIZE: 11.5" X 16.5" (29cm X 42 cm)

One of the world's smallest fish, the Pygmy Seahorse's maximum size is about 3/4 of an inch in length when full grown. It's dimunitive size, coupled with its amazing ability to blend in with its surrounding host seafan, make it extremely difficult to find. Photography is also hindered by its shy reclusive behavior when approached by a huge camera and the deafening sound of a diver's bubbles.