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Manta birostris
Manta rays are large eagle rays belonging to the genus Manta. The larger species, M. birostris, reaches 7 m (23 ft 0 in) in width while the smaller, M. alfredi, reaches 5.5 m (18 ft 1 in). Both have triangular pectoral fins, horn-shaped cephalic fins and large, forward-facing mouths. They are classified among the Elasmobranchii (sharks and rays) and are placed in the eagle ray family, Myliobatidae. Both species are listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Anthropogenic threats include pollution, entanglement in fishing nets, and direct harvesting for their gill rakers for use in Chinese medicine. Their slow reproductive rate exacerbates these threats. They are protected in international waters by the Convention on Migratory Species of Wild Animals, but are more vulnerable closer to shore. Areas where mantas congregate are popular with tourists. Only a few aquariums are large enough to house them. In general, these large fish are seldom seen and difficult to study.
Mantas are found in temperate, subtropical and tropical waters. Both species are pelagic; M. birostris migrates across open oceans, singly or in groups, while M. alfredi tends to be resident and coastal. They are filter feeders and eat large quantities of zooplankton, which they swallow with their open mouths as they swim. Gestation lasts over a year, producing live pups. Mantas may visit cleaning stations for the removal of parasites.
This was a surprise spotting in Malapascua at this particular time of the year i.e. May as in previous years, they are usually sighted during the months of August - September. This was spotted at a cleaning station where it visits to be cleaned by cleaner fishes. This particular Manta is around 6 meters in wing span. Unfortunately, the right lobe has been severed, most likely being entangled in fishing line and over a period of time, as it grows bigger, the line would get tighter and eventually cut through it.
5 Comments
Thanks, @franco2.
The name Manta means a square piece of cloth or blanket used in southwestern United States and Latin America usually as a cloak or shawl.
Manta Rays are from the Sting Rays family, not sure if ray is from Raya though.
I am sure your sighting of them was a similarly amazing encounter, @KarenPuracan. Unfortunately, local fisherman in the Visayas still catches them regularly :(
I saw one of these many years ago off Sumilon Island's "drop off" zone. Incredibly awesome creatures!
Thanks, @Jae.
Good think it still looks healthy and hopefully will be seen again in the future at the same dive site.
They are migratory in nature and have been known to visit the same dive sites again at certain period of the year. The local guides and regular divers there will recognize them easily.
Awesome spotting, Albert.
Though it is sad to hear that one of its lobes got amputated.