Laurent Ballesta was selected as the winner of the competition following the submission of his “enigmatic image” Creation, which captures camouflage groupers exiting their milky cloud of eggs and sperm in Fakarava, French Polynesia. Take a look at all the other winners in various categories in our photo gallery.
5. Brazilian wandering spider
The spider room by Gil Wizen showing a venomous Brazilian wandering spider hiding under his bed in Canada, which won Wildlife Photographer of the Year: Urban Wildlife Award.
6. Harp seals
Nursery meltdown by Jennifer Hayes as she records harp seals, seal pups and the blood of birth against the melting sea ice in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Quebec, Canada, which won Wildlife Photographer of the Year: Oceans: The Bigger Picture Award.
7. Chimpanzee
The healing touch, from Community care by Brent Stirton showing the director of a rehabilitation centre caring for chimpanzees orphaned by the bushmeat trade sitting with a newly rescued chimp as she slowly introduces it to the others in South Africa, which won Wildlife Photographer of the Year: Photojournalist Story Award.
8. Giant newts
Where the giant newts breed by Joao Rodrigues showing a pair of courting sharp-ribbed newts in a flooded forest, which won Wildlife Photographer of the Year: Behaviour: Amphibians and Reptiles Award.