419 Dive Log Australasia AUGUST 2026

The Fluorescing Lizardfish

D uring one of my first night dives in search of proof that species other than corals might exhibit fluorescence when illuminated with ultraviolet light sources, this Lizardfish, common to our temperate water environment in NSW, Australia, was one of the first fish species I discovered fluorescing. Vindication that my theory was valid. Marine science can’t yet explain the value of fluorescence ability in select marine species but I am guessing that in this case its a form of camouflage only visible by other species that can see in the UV Spectrum. Regardless this image reveals amazing behaviour previously unknown, unwitnessed and unrecorded Worldwide! Location: Fly Point, Nelson Bay, Port Stephens, NSW. Genre: Macro Photography Data: Nikon D800, 60 MM Macro Lens. Seacam Housing & Strobes fitted with flouro filters.

Photo Hints:To capture Fluoro images you must fit a yellow filter to your lens and blue filters to the strobes to create the correct light wavelength to reveal fluorescence in creatures that actually do fluoresce. You also need to fit the same blue filter to your dive and focus lights and a yellow filter to your face mask so you can see fluorescence! Interesting Facts: Until recently it was thought only corals exhibited fluorescence but photographers such as us have revealed fluorescence ability in many marinelife species including my discoveries of fluorescence in our local temperate water species. Kevin Deacon is a pioneer of Underwater Photography. His images have been published World Wide in prestigious books, magazines and advertising media. Kevin & Cherie Deacon operate DIVE 2000 based at Sydney’s, Northern Beaches providing Photo Guided Marinelife & Photo Guided Africa Wildlife Safaris, Sales of Seacam Underwater Photographic Equipment & Photography Training. .www.dive2000.com.au

Kevin Deacon is a pioneer of Underwater Photography. His images have been published World Wide in prestigious books, magazines and advertising media. Kevin & Cherie Deacon operate DIVE 2000 based at Sydney's, Northern Beaches providing Photo Guided Marinelife & Photo Guided Africa Wildlife Safaris. Sales of Seacam Underwater Photographic Equipment & Photography Training.

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Dive Log Australasia #419 August ‘26

www.divelog.net.au