In focus

Crocodile fish, hippos, flamingos

Lurking in the western Pacific is an ambush predator that relies on its camouflage – the crocodile fish. Even its eyes are partially concealed behind iris lappets – seen here drooping, like inverted eyelashes, over the top of the eye. Vein-like in appearance, their purpose is to break up the black of the pupil as this drab, 50cm-long creature blends in amid the sandy ocean floor around coral reefs, waiting for an opportune moment to grab some lunch.