Crown of Thorns Close-Up

A close up image of the venomous forest of spines on a crown of thorns starfish (Acanthaster planci). The tips of these spines contain saponins. Should these pierce the skin of a diver they can cause serious discomfort for more than a month and can even be potentially fatal. Another reason for a diver to always stay a safe distance away from the reef and keep their eyes open particularly when there are surges across a reef. Photographed with a Canon 7D and a 18-55mm Lense in an Ikelite eTTL Housing with Ikelite Flat Port and two Ikelite DS-161 Strobes, shot on 18mm.