birostris) need to generate constant forward propulsion to stay alive. In fact, some species dive to depths approaching two thousand metres (6,000 feet). This is when they will be swimming closer to the top of the water column - or breaching it.Īt night-time, they will swim down to much greater depths. Thus, cold winters provide a good time for scuba divers to spot these majestic pelagics swimming further offshore in the open oceans.įurthermore, the best time of the day to see manta rays flapping their pectoral fins near the surface is during the daytime. How Do Manta Rays Swim?ĭespite the seasonal migration patterns, manta rays tend to spend more time around the coastlines in the summer months. Whereas, the smaller reef manta species rarely grow wider than five (5) metres (around 18 feet). The giant oceanic manta ray (Mobula birostris) can have a disc width of nine (9) metres (up to 29 feet). In addition, both species will have breadth that is more than two times their total body length. How Heavy is a Manta Ray?Īs a matter of fact, some adult manta rays weigh up to 1,350 kilograms (almost 3,000 pounds). But, mantas do have small dorsal fins located at the base of the tail whip. The horizontal, mucus-covered body lacks any strong skeletal support for their short, whiplike tail. Plus, having two horn-shaped cephalic lobes on each side of its mouth is somewhat unique to the species. For example, all manta rays have a broad head and flattened triangular pectoral fins. Most of them are dark on the top with a pale underbelly - often white.Įven so, there are several features that distinguish mantas from other similar sized fishes. In reality, the two manta species differ in body colouring, in placoid scales ( dermal denticles), and in their dentition (the arrangement of their teeth). Scientists believe the erythrism (abnormal redness) is the result of a genetic mutation. But, there have been sightings of a pink coloured manta ray at Lady Elliot Island in the Great Barrier Reef, Australia. Giant Oceanic Manta Ray (Mobula birostris)įun Fact: Most manta rays display variances of black colouring (melanism) or white ( leucism). But, some of the best-known names for marine rays include: Over the years, scientists and zoologists have come up with some weird fish names for new specimens. Pro Tip: Scientists have determined two different species of mantas, that being the giant oceanic manta ray and the smaller, less elusive, reef manta ray. Typical examples include most of the Bali dive sites in Indonesia and around the atolls in the Maldives. One thing is certain, manta rays travel huge distances with strong moving currents, especially where upwellings of nutrient-rich water occur. But, it seems fair to say that the largest population of mantas currently exists in Ecuador, especially the Galapagos Marine Reserve. Scuba divers and snorkelers have spotted manta rays in North Carolina (USA) and near to the North Island of New Zealand. Nonetheless, official records show that this massive pelagic fish can live in most of the open oceans far away from the equator. But congregations of one hundred to 1,500 individual mantas are commonplace in several regions. Their migratory, somewhat fragmented lifestyle, means it's difficult for scientists to gather accurate information about the worldwide population of manta rays. Mantas congregate close to the continents of all major oceans (except the Arctic and Southern Ocean) and near to the islands in some warm water seas. The best place to find majestic marine rays is tropical, subtropical, and most temperate waters (e.g. In reality, manta rays are related to two other species of cartilaginous fishes, the shark Phylum Chordata and the skate fish (Rajidae).
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |