March 2008 Photo of the Month Winner : Chaitika

[Reefscape]

The winner of the March 2008 Photo of the Month is
Chaitika (http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/member.php?u=82393)


Specifics of the photograph

The image was taken with a Nikon D70s with overhead flash. The fish in question is a wild caught female Tropheus Moori Kasakalawe. The tank is a 5.5 foot 120 gallon tank that houses a colony of 20 breeding T. Kasakalawe and a small group of petrochromis. It is also worthy to note that out of 5 breeding tropheus groups, she is the only female to actually care for her young after initial release. She typically looks after them for about 10-14 days post release, taking them in her mouth at the slightest hint of danger. It is a very natural behaviour in the lake, but not often seen in aquaria, and quite difficult to capture with a camera. It literally took me about 75 hours of sitting quietly in front of the tank before she would release them in front of me.

[Reefscape]

A stunning photograph...Certainly captured the moment...just what POTM is all about...Well Done...

[Sploke]

haha thats such a cool picture.

[rich311k]

Congrats, what an excellent photo.

[amyjod2]

I absolutely love this photo. Great job and Congrats.

Amy

[Dangerdoll]

LOLOLOL That pic is awesome!!! Congrats on it!

[Nolapete]

Very cool. I'd love to have a framed one for my fish room.

[Mgamer20o0]

great job

[duke33]

Nice, parenting skills always a must.

[Chaitika]

Thanks, everyone! I have a few more from this mom to share. I'll start a thread in the photo section this weekend with a few similar shots. It took me a loooooonnnnggg time to get this pic. :)

[Lupin]

Excellent pic and congratulations, Chaitika!:thumbsup: Knew your great photographing skills will really help increase your chance of winning.lol

[Chaitika]

Thanks! I'll be back in 3 months, lol.

[vtx-coley]

Congrats! Great pic!

[Rbishop]

Congrats! Great shot!

[clown-lover]

Very cool photo... It must be extremely fun watching her rear her young.. :)

[MIKE D]

I love that pic and wanted it to win! Con grats

[khombre]

Great job. Congrats. :)

Must have required lots of patience. :)

[fastbackgly]

Great timing!

[Carp37]

Brilliant photo- it got my vote...

[mphunk]

This picture is amazing!

[Chaitika]

Thanks, folks!

Yes, there was probably about 75 hours of sitting/waiting for her to release the fry in front of me. The first 2 broods, she didn't release at all while I sat in front of the tank for an hour or two at a time over a 2 week period.

[jpappy789]

I love it! So unique!

[salty420]

such a great pic, congrats on the win!

[Chaitika]

Thanks! :)

[BigFishKeeper]

cong.. cool pic.

[vetdog]

such a cool shot

[zeb123]

lol love it congrats!!!

[oscaremmy]

Bloody fantastic! Well done - great shot.

[Amphibious]

Being an avid photographer, with aquaria as my favorite subject, I am aware of the time spent, camera at ready, to get a great shot like that.

Congratulations, Chaitika


:clap:

[Chaitika]

Thanks again! :)

[saltydunc]

superb shot

[H3D]

Incredible pic! :headbang2:

[Groggles]

I wonder if I stuck my kids in my mouth if I would be seen as a protective parent?? (just joking) incredible photo.

[terror spawnin]

This pic makes me giggle!
It is great seeing fish act natural in captivity!
I hope this pic from reefscape sets a standard goal for all aquariests!

Two thumbs up along with my two big toes!!!!!!

[~Kswords~]

75 hours of waiting!? Now that's commitment! haha, nice catch and photo shot!!!

[Chaitika]

I know it's been a while but I still want to thank everyone for their positive comments! :)

[sue711]

That's incredible; what a fantastic photograph!!! Congrats!