Some people believe it should be discouraged, whereas others believe that the closeness with the animal may promote the caring and conservation of these animals as perhaps it has in the case of some whales. We report the occurrence of the reef manta ray Manta alfredi Krefft 1868 in the Bohol Sea, Philippines, based on photographic evidence from boat-based surveys and a fishery specimen. There is disagreement about riding mantas. Their behavior with divers is uniquethey usually let divers approach them, and seem to enjoy the feeling of air bubbles on their bodies. They usually have opportunistic remoras attached to their undersides, looking for scraps that result from the feeding of the mantas, and for protection. Mantas feed on plankton, including small fishes and squid. They may be seen far out to sea, but also occur near reefs and pinnacles. Range: Circumtropical, occurs in all warm seas. The skin is smooth the mouth is terminal (at the front of the head) tail lacks a spine or stinger. Size: Grows to a disk width of at least 6.7 meters (22 feet) and weighs at least 1300 kg (2800 lb). Manta birostris Pacific manta, Manta ray, Mantaraya. The pacific manta is a black-brown color above and white below. The patterns of spots or white patches on mantas' bodies have been used as fingerprints to identify individuals.Īdults of this large species with their large triangular wings (pectoral fins), and projecting horn-like head flaps (cephalic hood) are unlikely to be mistaken for any other species. SDNHM - Manta birostris (Pacific Manta, Manta Ray)
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