23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Wildlife
Nocturnal Trio: Lionfish at the Surface

Under the cover of night, a trio of lionfish glides just below the sea’s surface, their elegant fins spread like wings in the dim light. During night dives or snorkeling in the Red Sea, you may come across many lionfish diligently foraging for food along the reef. Typically, these beautiful fish hover silently next to their prey before executing swift and precise attacks. Captured from a close distance with a wide-angle lens, this image emphasizes their collective grace as they hover in unison, poised for the hunt.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 07.2023
Date Uploaded: 11.2025
Photo Location: Eilat, Israel
Camera: ILCE-1
Copyright: © Tom Shlesinger