What does manta mean?
The name manta comes from Spanish, meaning "cloak"?
The reason is obvious~ Their common nickname is " "Big manta ray", because their head fins look like horns. This helps them to hold plankton into their mouths. They are the most popular species in the ocean. One of the largest animals,?
A fully grown oceanic manta ray can weigh up to
2 tons, with a wingspan of up to 7 meters! The smaller reef manta ray Can grow up to 4.5 meters.?
Unlike other rays, the manta does not have a defensive spine on its tail.
The swimming behavior of the manta is different in different habitats .In deep water areas
Swim in a straight line at a constant speed. In nearshore areas they will bask in the sun or swim idle.
Mantas can swim alone or in groups. ,?
Sometimes there can be as many as 50!! They will make friends with seabirds, other fish or marine mammals. Some manta will even perform continuous aerial maneuvers Jumping
. First jump forward, and then enter the water head or tail down, and some even do somersaults!?
But the reason for this behavior is not clear, it may be a Communicative behavior, or
removal of parasites and sucker fish. The manta will go to the cleaning station on the coral reef to remove external parasites. When the cleaner fish feeds, the manta will approach the coral and Stay still for a few minutes
This is also the diving spot where divers can easily see the manta~