This photograph was taken at the Liberty Shipwreck in Tulamben, Bali, and features Tridacna noae, a giant clam species that was only relatively recently recognised as distinct from other giant clams. For me, this image represents the excitement of discovery that continues to exist beneath the ocean's surface. Even among well-studied marine organisms, there is still much to learn about biodiversity and how species are connected to their environment. As a marine scientist, encountering Tridacna noae for the first time was a reminder that every species has a story. Giant clams play important ecological roles in coral reef ecosystems, providing habitat, contributing to nutrient cycling, and supporting reef productivity. By understanding and documenting these organisms, we gain a deeper appreciation of the complexity and resilience of marine ecosystems. What drew me to this scene was not immediately the identity of the animal, but its patterns, colours, and textures. Through a macro lens, the mantle of the giant clam transforms into an abstract landscape, resembling mountains, valleys, and distant terrain. The closer I looked, the more the boundaries between reality and imagination seemed to blur. Photography allows us to slow down and notice details that often go unseen. What appears ordinary at first glance can reveal extraordinary beauty when viewed from a different perspective. Through this image, I hope viewers experience a sense of curiosity and wonder, and perhaps see that science and art are not separate disciplines, but different ways of observing and understanding the same natural world.

