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.
A SPECTRUM of colours fills the sky during this spectacular and natural display of light .
An Australian beach is illuminated by an enticing neon blue glow as a rare phenomenon lights up the water .
RAISING his flipper, this two day old seal pup gives a wave to the camera .
SNUGGLING up against their teddy bears, these baby sloths could easily be mistaken for one of the cuddly toys .
A couple have tied the knot in a spectacular Harry Potter-themed wedding which cost £45,000 .
Primed and ready for action, this collection of striking images from the battlefield could be mistaken for authentic photos taking during World War II .
A doting seal smiles at her sweet little pup as she tickles its tummy on the beach .
This is the amazing moment two white-tailed kites take an in-flight meal - exchanging prey at 100 foot high in mid air .
THIS DANGER-mad female pensioner could be the oldest Brit to cage dive with CROCODILES .
FISTS fly as two gorillas take each other on in a dramatic battle .
This starling and prairie dog will not back down an inch as they have a fearsome stand-off over who gets to eat a nut .