23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Wildlife
The Pretender

I photographed a scorpionfish (Rhinopias eschmeyeril) at a depth of 15 meters off Tulamben, Bali. Perfectly blending with the surrounding sponges, it seemed confident in its camouflage yet, its beauty made it impossible to overlook.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 09.2025
Date Uploaded: 11.2025
Photo Location: Tulamben, Indonesia
Camera: NIKON D850
Copyright: © Sayaka Ichinoseki