About Me
![](https://matteosanton.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/DSCN2398-scaled.jpg?v=1611502252)
![](https://matteosanton.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/NM_06015-scaled-1920x1280.jpg?v=1611502545)
![](https://matteosanton.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/20190612_205823-1920x1920.jpg?v=1611509045)
![](https://matteosanton.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/0-Diving-and-UW-methods-2018.09.27-15.42.17-Bangka-Indo-NKM-Sony-RX100V-UW-AWB-NoF-NKM_03783-d2.74m-scaled-1920x1440.jpg?v=1611501718)
![](https://matteosanton.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/IMG_2046-scaled-1920x1440.jpg?v=1611501689)
![](https://matteosanton.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/DSCN0728-scaled-1920x1440.jpg?v=1611502126)
Dr. Matteo Santon
![](https://matteosanton.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/photo_2023-12-03_18-02-42-e1701626838187.jpg)
Born in Italy, 20.02.1990
I am an enthusiastic person that loves to be at the sea!
After studying Marine Biology at the University of Padua (Italy), I moved to Tuebingen (Germany) to obtain a PhD in Marine Visual Ecology, investigating marine prey-predator visual interactions in fish. I am currently a Marie Curie Fellow at the University of Bristol with Dr Martin How, and my research focusses on the visual ecology of prey-predator interactions between cephalopods and prey crabs, and on visually guided behaviour in mantis shrimp.
I am always excited to hear about new ideas and embark in new collaborative projects!
My passions
No-flash Underwater photography
![](https://matteosanton.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Gobiidae-Pleurosicya-sp.-18.09.20-11.17-Nikon-D4-MWB-Double-CT-Orange-Bangka-MS-18m-SAV_9133-scaled.jpg?v=1611501171)
Started as a way of documenting my research, quickly became a passion. My photography does not use flash to show the public how underwater animals really appear to our eyes in their environment. Although people believe that without the aid of a flash getting good images is not possible, I hope to be able to convince you that this is not the case.
Scuba diving
![](https://matteosanton.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/photo_2023-12-03_18-01-35.jpg)
I am probably more comfortable underwater than on land. I was lucky enough to combine job and passion in my life by working as a marine scientist. I regularly conduct underwater behavioural experiments, and supervise student excursions to tropical reefs in Egypt and Indonesia. I did over 1500 dives, and I hope there are many more to come. It’s hard to keep me out from the water!
Sailing
![](https://matteosanton.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/photo_2023-05-04_11-10-55.jpeg)
There is nothing that makes me feel more free than being in the middle of the sea, on a boat, with good friends. I own a sailing license and I am currently sailing in the mediterranean regularly to become an experienced sailor. I look forward to sailing in the Indo-Pacific in the future!
Recommended research stations
![](https://matteosanton.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/20180924_125854-scaled.jpg?v=1611506660)
Coral eye marine Research outpost
Bangka island - North Sulawesi
![](https://matteosanton.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/20190608_153042-scaled-1024x576.jpg?v=1611506672)
STARESO research station
Calvi - Corsica
![](https://matteosanton.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/photo_2023-12-03_18-01-30.jpg)