The annual Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition has opened at the Natural History Museum in London. As a special treat one of the winning entries includes the best thing in the sea: the mighty sailfish.

This shot – Sailfish Strike – is by Amos Nachoum. More below the fold. A full gallery of photos is available on the museum’s website. The competition is run by the museum and BBC Wildlife Magazine.

Whooper lift-off – Ellen Anon

First encounter – Brian Skerry

Battle of the bears – Tom Mills

All images © the photographer / Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2008