Collection: Colors of the Deep

COLORS OF THE DEEP

The depths of the oceans are full of color: it is filled with various colorful creatures and brightly-colored environments. Some of these colorful creatures are unique and have special features which distinguish themselves from each other and even help them in their fight for survival in such a competitive world. 

Colors of the Deep, acrylic on canvas, 2020. Set of 9, each piece 8" X 8" 

Nasty shrimp showdown

Nasty Shrimp Showdown, acrylic on canvas, 2020 

A showdown ensues between a peacock mantis shrimp (Odontodactylus scyllarus) and a tiger pistol shrimp (Alpheus bellulus). These crustaceans have their own superpowers: the mantis shrimp had a strong punch that could break hard shells, while the pistol shrimp uses a high-velocity bubble jet to stun its prey. Other creatures are seemingly “attracted” to the clash, including a blue swimmer crab.

Toxic treasure hunters

Toxic Treasure Hunters, acrylic on canvas, 2020

A blue-ringed octopus (Hapalochaena lunulata) defends a treasure chest from a cone snail. Both creatures are venomous, either for hunting or for defense. A sea lion watches nearby.

Clown Triggerfish

Clown Triggerfish, acrylic on canvas, 2020

The clown triggerfish (Balistoides conspicillum) is one of the most colorful species of triggerfishes and is a popular fish for the marine aquarium. This species can be found in coral reefs in the Indo-Pacific region.

Leafy Sea Dragon

Leafy Sea Dragon, acrylic on canvas, 2020

The leafy sea dragon (Phycodurus eques) is a master of disguise which is related to the seahorse. It is named for the leaf-like structures protruding from all over its body, which gave it a form of camouflage to hide among the seaweed.

Flamboyant Cuttlefish

Flamboyant Cuttlefish, acrylic on canvas, 2020

The flamboyant cuttlefish (Metasepia pfefferi) is a species of brightly-coloured cuttlefish. It uses its lower arms to “walk” on the sea floor while stalking prey. In the painting, it is paired with two unique species of sea slug: the blue angel slug (Glaucus marginatus) and the sea bunny (Jorunna parva).

Lionfish

Red Lionfish, acrylic on canvas, 2020

The red lionfish (Pterois volitans) is a venomous fish that can be identified from its distinctive pattern and flamboyant fins. The sharp, poison-tipped spines on its dorsal fins provide defense to this colorful fish. The lionfish can be found in coral reefs, where it hunts for smaller fish to eat.

Ocean Sunfish

Sunfish and Moonfish, acrylic on canvas, 2020

The ocean sunfish (Mola mola) is the heaviest known bony fish. It had an unusual shape which sets it apart from most other fish: its tail fins are placed closer to the body; and its dorsal and anal fins are elongated. In the painting, it is shown together with a pair of clownfish, purple sea urchins and a moonfish (Lampris guttatus).

Leatherback Turtle

Leatherback Turtle, acrylic on canvas, 2020

The leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) is the largest of the sea turtles. Its primary diet is jellyfish. In the painting, the turtle swims near three species of jellyfish: the Papuan spotted jellyfish (Mastigias papua), the crown jellyfish (Netrostoma setouchianum) and the hydrozoan Turritopsis nutricula.

Chambered Nautilus

Chambered Nautilus, acrylic on canvas, 2020

The chambered nautilus (Nautilus pompilius) is a cephalopod with a protective shell which contains air spaces for buoyancy. In the background, a blue whale and its calf pass by, heading towards a congregation of plankton.