More than 700 images were submitted for this year's underwater photography contest, put on annually by the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science. Ximena Olds' photo of the headshield sea slug against a brilliant background of green seagrass took home the "best overall" award.
Macro
Taking home first place in the Macro category, Canadian Todd Mintz's photo of these cute-as-can-be yellownose gobies, Elacatinus randalli, peering out from bolder brain coral in Bonaire, Dutch Caribbean.
Fish or Marine Animal Portrait
Though this animal doesn't look like a tot, indeed the behemoth is just a babe, a juvenile sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus). The photo, taken in Dominica by Douglas Kahle of Florida took home first place in the animal portrait category.
Wide-angle
First place in the Wide Angle category went to this Lionfish, a species in the genus Pterois, in the Red sea, taken by Mark Fuller from Israel.
CREDIT: Mark Fuller, University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science.
Fan Favorite
Todd Aki, Florida for the picture of Sea nettle Chrysaora quinquecirrh taken on an early morning shore dive off the Breakwater at Monterey, California, USA