Reef Manta Ray

Description:

The reef manta ray (Manta alfredi) is species of ray in the family Mobulidae, the largest rays in the world. Among generally recognized species, it is the second-largest species of ray, only surpassed by the giant oceanic manta ray (a currently unrecognized species from the Caribbean region also appears to be larger than the reef manta ray). Reef manta rays are typically 3 to 3.5 m (9.8 to 11.5 ft) in disc width, with a maximum size of about 5.5 m (18 ft). Long included in M. birostris, the status of the reef manta ray as a separate species was only confirmed in 2009.

Habitat:

The reef manta ray is found widely in the tropical and subtropical Indo-Pacific, but with a few records from the tropical East Atlantic and none from the West Atlantic or East Pacific. Compared to the giant oceanic manta ray, the reef manta ray tends to be found in shallower, more coastal habitats, but local migrations are sometimes reported.

Notes:

Manta Rays can be reliably seen in certain dive sites or location, where there are 'cleaning stations'. The Manta Rays comes and goes during the day to get themselves cleaned by cleaner wrasses. The cleaner fishes, mostly Wrasses can be seen in Pic #3