LIKE A living balloon this baitball of sardines is ready to burst when threatened by a pointy nosed sailfish. The photographs, taken off the coast of Isla Mujeres, near Cancun, Mexico, show how these water creatures work cooperatively to cut off a portion of a school of sardines swimming close to the seafloor, and drive them to the surface. American photographer Doug Perrine, 60, managed to capture the moment the sailfish manage to herd the bait into a tightly packed ball, ready to pick off for dinner one-by-one. ‘The sailfish took-turns swimming through the bait ball slashing with their bills to kill the fish, which are quickly gobbled up,’ Doug said. ‘Sometimes they light up or change to a bright colour pattern.
CAUSING a splash, this determined kingfisher goes hunting for dinner .
WITH the phosphorescent blobs and mesmerising patterns, these spectacular images may look like the hall marks of an enchanted forest but it is in fact the scene of thousands of dancing FIREFLIES .
FISTS fly as two gorillas take each other on in a dramatic battle .
A trout manages to escape the jaws of a hungry cormorant - only to find itself back inside the bird's long beak .
DASHING through the snow, this little stoat is on the lookout for a Christmas feast .
LIKE A living balloon this baitball of sardines is ready to burst when threatened by a pointy nosed sailfish .
A lively lemon shark grins into the camera and showcases his impressive teeth .
AN EXERCISING turtle and an ice-skating chick are hardly everyday exploits in the animal community .
Dogs catch waves at the Coronado Bay dog surf championships Saturday 22nd June 2013- DOG SURFING mutts have never looked so gnarly .
EAGERLY BITING his nails, this little squirrel is clearly nervous of looming predators as he searches for his meal .
Destroyed buildings and overturned cars are seen after a huge tornado struck Moore, Oklahoma, near Oklahoma City, May 20, 2013 .
STARING eagerly into the camera, this little toad is full of curiosity .