#hippocampus denise

On the morning’s first dive, your guide leads you right to a pastel gorgonian that you would have otherwise swam right past. Following his gestures, you look close, then closer, and suddenly the timely and perfectly camouflaged profile of a Denise’s pygmy seahorse is revealed. Your guide places a steadying hand on your shoulder, allowing you to ease in for a close up without disturbing this tiny reef dweller or its surroundings. Your day is off to a pretty good start. (Photograph: Cor Bosman)