The holy grail

THE RHINOPIAS

All the species are considered to be rare, but by far the most commonly encountered species amongst underwater photographers are the paddle-flap and weedy rhinopias. The colour varieties among rhinopias can be quite drastic, ranging from dark red, to bright yellow to deep lavender. Additionally, the amount of dermal appendages extending from their bodies often varies, giving each rhinopias a somewhat unique look. That said, every one of them is certainly oddly beautiful in its own right, and most discerning macro photographers can remember their first encounter with one.

Also Lutz, who has taken these pictures here at one of our dive sites, does not come out of the enthusiasm for the Rhinopias.