Coral Guardian

Photographer Huw Penson captured this magnificent coral hawkfish in its natural habitat at West of Eden, one of the premier dive sites for encountering these charismatic reef dwellers. The image showcases the fish’s distinctive coral-red colouration and intricate spotted patterns against the golden backdrop of hard corals. West of Eden’s diverse reef structure provides ideal hunting grounds for hawkfish, making it one of the most reliable locations to observe these fascinating predators during Similan liveaboard expeditions. Penson’s macro expertise is evident in the sharp detail captured in the fish’s expressive eye and the delicate fin structures spread wide in a classic hawkfish pose.