Fishes as Art – and what Art!

I recently came across two outstanding examples of the portrayal of fishes as a form of art. The first involves the truly spectacular photographs of Siamese fighting fish by Thai artist Visarute Angkatavanich. One of the most important morphological innovations in the evolution of fishes has been the development of their fins (dorsal, anal, pelvic, pectoral). These fins are crucial to how fishes swim and how they interact with one another and their environment. These brilliant photographs display the intricate form and breathtaking colouration of these fins in a way that I have never seen before.

http://www.dpreview.com/news/2013/12/25/in-photos-flowing-fins-of-siamese-fighting-fish

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Photo credit: Visarute Angkatavanich

The second involves Canadian Paul Vecsei who lives and works in Yellowknife, NWT, but who travels to many places to take striking photographs of Canadian freshwater fishes (among other things) and their habitats. He is also a noted illustrator who creates fantastic images of fishes. It is great to see our native fishes captured in the wild so beautifully.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/fishasart/

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© Paul Vecsei, all rights reserved

Both of these examples provide clear reminders of the beauty of biodiversity and the habitat that supports it (as seen through the fins of fishes) that are around us everyday. Wow!

Written by: Dr. Rick Taylor, Director and Curator of the Fish Collection at the Beaty Biodiversity Museum