This amazing image captures the moment two Green turtles seemingly share an underwater high-five.

Known as Shelley and Casey, the happy pair were caught on camera by eagle-eyed photographer Troy Mayne as he swam at Moore Reef, part of The Great Barrier Reef off the east coast of Australia.

The 39-year-old has written a series of 20 children's books, using the images he has taken to bring his stories to life.

He says the large animals which can live up to 80 years old now recognise him when he joins them in the water.

'Since I started writing the books, many turtles have started to show up. I now seem to have many different turtles that I know by name that regularly visit.'

While the creatures are by nature solitary animals, Mr Mayne says groups of them now regularly follow him around when he is on dives.

Green turtles can grow to over a metre in length and up to a whopping 619lbs in weight.


Mr Mayne added: 'It is of course for food that attracts them. I feed them the algae that they naturally eat. I pick it from the reef each day.

'I feed them so much that lots of turtles now visit. Word is obviously getting around!

He said turtles swim right up and even grab old of him to share a hug and when he leaves the water they follow hmi to the end of the pontoon.


He added: 'Despite popular perception they are quite smart. They always have their heads in my pocket trying to get some food out, when I am not looking.

'If I do not pay them attention and feed them, they will give me a little nip to let me know they are waiting.

'I feel so privileged to have the interaction and friendship that I have with these wild animals. They truly are incredible animals.


Mr Mayne used a Nikon digital SLR camera housed in special underwater case to take the photos and incorporated an underwater flash to bring the subjects to light.

He said: 'Many of the photos are just lucky accidents, right place at the right time, but many have been painstakingly set up, sometimes taking weeks to get.'
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