From the venomous lionfish to the sea horse of Trincomalee, three photographers capture the mysteries of marine life

The lionfish is a genus of venomous marine fish, found mostly in the Indo-Pacific. Lionfish are popular in some parts of the world as food. Found in shades of red, grey and black, they are also prized in the aquarium trade. Photo: Nandakumar M and Rithesh Nanda

Marine biodiversity and its conservation is one of the five key issues being discussed at the ongoing Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in Hyderabad. Political leaders, conservationists and scientists are deliberating on environmental policies, and trying to ensure development that does not threaten the interest of conserving our biodiversity. Lounge presents a glimpse of life in the seas, and their mysterious and amazing inhabitants, through the lens of three wildlife photographers.

Dhritiman Mukherjee, Kolkata

Dhritiman Mukherjee, 37, from Kolkata is probably the most well-known wildlife photographer in India today. His is a classic Bollywood tale—his mother pawned her jewellery so her son could buy his first digital camera, one of those that professional photographers lug around.

Slideshow | Water world

From the venomous lionfish to the sea horse of Trincomalee, three photographers capture the mysteries of marine life

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  The red-spotted coral crab lives in corals, feeding on their tissue and mucus, and defending them from predators. Photo: Nandakumar M and Rithesh Nanda
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  The venomous lionfish, an Indo-Pacific staple, is popular as food and is also prized in the aquarium trade. Photo: Nandakumar M and Rithesh Nanda
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  A common sea horse in Trincomalee, Sri Lanka. A small, equine-like fish with extraordinary breeding methods—the male sea horse carries the eggs in a brood pouch on its lower abdomen. Photo: Nandakumar M and Rithesh Nanda
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  The endangered green sea turtle, found in tropical seas, is known to swim more than 2,500km to reach its breeding grounds. Photo: Dhritiman Mukherjee
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  Asiatic glassfish, so called for their transparent bodies, are found in coral reefs and are sought after for aquariums the world over. Photo: Dhritiman Mukherjee
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  The longfin bannerfish, also known as coachman, is found in shoals around reefs in tropical seas. It is a popular specimen for the aquarium industry. Photo: Dhritiman Mukherjee
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  Of about 1,600 starfish species (according to Encyclopaedia Britannica), the greatest variety is in the tropical Indo-Pacific oceans. Photo: Dhritiman Mukherjee

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Nandakumar M and Rithesh Nanda, Bangalore

Nandakumar, who runs a specialized printing and packaging business, still produces a stunning notebook and calendar every year with his collection of underwater photographs. Here, he shares some of his work wit

 

Hot spots

Rithesh Nanda recommends the best places to experience marine life.

India is blessed with an ample coastline. Scuba-divers have the advantage of viewing corals and sandy areas surrounded by vast green lands of varying quality near the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean.

 

Once certified to dive (one can also learn here), a scuba-diver has multiple choices: Lakshadweep is an undisputed paradise for scuba-diving enthusiasts. Netrani Island near Murudeshwar, Karnataka, is the latest attraction. Lakshadweep and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands offer the most thrilling dive sites with a vast marine life. There are several locations like Cinque Island, Havelock Island and the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.