Reef Manta Ray

Description:

This Reef Mantas are huge, mostly between 3.5 - 4 metes wing span. Despite their big size, they are harmless. Unlike the smaller species of Sting Rays, Manta Rays have lost their stings. This Manta Rays were seen at night, the lights behind our liveaboard dive Boat attracted planktons and the Manta Rays showed up to feed on the planktons, giving us a memorable experience to get close up with this gentle giants. When feeding, they let down their lobes (as in Pic#1) to channel water into their mouth which is then filtered through their gills. They also swim in a 'summersault' or 'looping' way, going round and round to 'scoop' up the high concentration of planktons in the specific area.