Manta Ray

Description:

Manta Rays belong to the genus species. The bigger species can reach up to 7m in width whereas the smaller species reach up to 5.5m. Manta Rays can reach up to 2,980 lb. The colours of the Manta Ray depends on the species and where they live. Manta Rays have a symbiotic relationship with Remora, also known as the "suckerfish." The remora gets protection, transportation, and leftover scraps from the Manta Rays meals. The Manta Ray would, in return, get the bacteria and the parasites cleaned off by the remora. This shows mutualism. The skin on the manta ray is covered in mucus which protects it from infection. Manta Rays always have to swim to keep the oxygenated water passing over their gills. The gill's arches have pallets of squishy tissue that gather food particles. The Manta ray brain has retina mirabilia that can serve to keep them warm. Manta Rays reproduce using sexual reproduction. Both the male sperm and the female egg cells are needed to reproduce.

Habitat:

Manta Rays live in tropical waters. They normally stay near the coral reef. But, there is evidence that in many parts of the open sea they love to swim. Manta rays eat tiny marine organisms including microscopic plankton, smaller fish and crustaceans. They go through cleaning stations where fish suck off bacteria.