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| MANTA RAY
(Manta birostris)
Breaching the surface while feeding.
Size:
This fish is born at a disc width of about 1.2 m (3.9 feet) and attains a maximum disc width of 6.7 m (21.9
feet). It may get larger than this.
Distribution:
Circumtropical.
Habitat:
This species often occurs in nearshore waters and occasionally is found in more oceanic environments. It
is seen near both coral and rocky reefs.
Reproduction:
This ray gives birth to 1 or 2 pups per litter. This species has been observed mating in the wild. Two
males, which were smaller than the female, chased the female for 20 to 30 minutes. A male grasped the
tip of the female’s pectoral fin and then swung underneath her, so they were in a venter-to-venter
orientation. The male then inserted a single clasper. Chasing seems to be a common element in
courtship and mating of mobulid rays. At least one species of devil ray is known to display sexual
dimorphism in the dentition, which may enable the males to better hold the females. One harpooned
specimen expelled a pup when it breached and it may be this behavior is part of "normal" birthing.
Feeding:
When feeding the cephalic fins are uncurled, spread apart, and the animal moves about in various
directions and sometimes somersaults in the water column. Its food includes planktonic crustaceans and
small schooling bony fishes.
Behavior:
It occurs singly or in loose aggregations numbering up to 50 individuals. This species is never seen in
true schools. It is often observed in association with other marine vertebrates, including: dolphins, sea
birds, sharks and other rays (spotted eagle ray, Ateobatus nari nari). They often are hosts to one or more
discfishes. Mantas breach, but adult specimens do not completely clear the water surface. Instead they
drive their bodies part way out of the water and fall back into sea, with individuals sometimes performing
several consecutive jumps.
Distinguishing Characteristics:
This species has a terminal mouth, the head is broad and the cephalic (head) fins are long. The dorsal
coloration is black or reddish brown, and sometimes the black morph has white shoulder patches. There
are reports of albino specimens.
Remarks:
References:
Notarbartolo-Di-Sciara & Hillyer (1989), Yano et al. (1997
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