See Winning Photos From the 2015 Ocean Art Underwater Competition

One of the most prestigious underwater photo contests in the world has announced its winners, and they include captivating and rarely seen images of mysterious marine life.
More than a dozen photographers who specialize in capturing creatures lurking in the deep ocean blue took home over $70,000 in prizes in the 2015 Ocean Art Underwater Photo Competition. The contest, organized by the Underwater Photography Guide, is in its fifth year and attracts photographers from more than 50 countries, according to Discovery News.
Photographer Jeff Milisen snapped his winning “Best of Show” image of a larval cusk eel while diving in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, he explains on the guide’s website. “We had over 1,000 blackwater dives under our belt and none of us had ever seen anything like it, whether on Earth or boldly going elsewhere!” he said.
The eel has “possibly never been photographed before or even seen underwater by a diver,” judge Scott Gietler said on the website. “These subjects are incredibly difficult to find, focus on, and light — a true winner,” Gietler told Discovery News.

Source: TIME: Top Science and Health Stories - January 11, 2016 Category: Science Authors: TIME Photo and Melissa Chan Tags: Uncategorized animals fish Ocean photography underwater Source Type: news