A close-up of the head of a Spotted Eel sticking out of a hole in an underwater rock. This incredible display of colorful sponges and tunicates exists on the roots of the Mangrove tree. The Mangrove is home to many species, and provides a nursery for young sea life. A Row Pore Rope Sponge on the barrier reef off the coast of Belize. A juvenile-intermediate Damsel Fish looks into the camera.
Immature fish are often more brightly colored than adults.
In this case, the bright blue spots which once completely covered it have begun to disappear. As an adult, this fish will become nearly all black.