In such a way, it will be more advantageous to keep mantas alive rather than to kill them.Īnother way to help prevent the extinction of mantas is to support various awareness campaigns, manta conservation projects and promote sustainable fishing strategies. Traveling to enjoy these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat will give a commercial value to them through the development of ecotourism. The good news is that we can help to save manta rays simply by swimming with them. Currently manta rays are listed as “vulnerable” in the Red List of the IUCN. The female normally gives birth to only one or rarely two pups, and births occur every 2-5 years, resulting in a serious risk of extinction. This is particularly negative, since manta rays have a slow reproductive rate. Although, there is no scientific evidence supporting these uses, according to data gathered by the IUCN, more 1000 giant manta rays are captured each year in different parts of the world. The gills of manta rays are highly sought-after, because Chinese traditional medicine preaches they have numerous medicinal properties, such as improving the immune system, preventing cancer and aiding nursing mothers. In addition to that, such countries as Sri Lanka and India have a well developed manta fishing industry. Hooks and fishing nets wound and trap mantas, often leading to death (bycatching). Both giant manta rays (Manta birostris) and reef manta rays (Manta alfredi) are threatened by a number of factors of anthropogenic origin. While manta rays pose no danger to humans, the same cannot be said of the reverse. Many scuba divers, snorkelers and freedivers travel to remote destinations just to see the manta rays, or as they are sometimes called “sea birds”, in the wild. They are quiet and peaceful beings that have shown a curious behavior at the approach of humans. Unlike many of their relatives, manta rays are devoid of the poisonous sting. Scientists think that the act helps them to either eliminate parasites or to communicate. Mantas have been observed jumping out of water. Mantas come here to be cleaned by smaller creatures. Mantas can often be seen at so called cleaning stations - places, usually located near the reef. This means that the female gives birth to live the offsprings, who develop in eggs inside the mother. They are not able to create this current themselves. Swimming creates a current of oxygen-rich water through their gills. They have to keep moving in order to breathe. Anatomical studies have shown that mantas have the biggest brain to body ratio among all studied fish. The word “Manta” means cloak or shawl in Spanish. That being said, scientists still need to gather more information to be able to answer this question accurately. Mantas can consume as much as 5 kg (11 lbs) of plankton daily.Īs for the lifespan of these creatures, research indicates that they can live to at least 50 and possibly even up to 100 years. The smaller reef mantas normally have a wingspan of 3-3.5 metres (9-11.5 ft) and weigh around 1.4 tonnes (3100 lbs).īoth species of manta rays are filter feeders, which means that they eat plankton. They can reach up to 7 metres (23 ft) in wingspan and 2 tonnes (4440 lbs) in weight. Oceanic mantas are the bigger of the two manta species. There are two species of manta rays: Manta Alfredi (Resident Reef Manta Ray) and Manta Birostris (Giant Oceanic Manta Ray). Although they are closely related to other rays and have flattened bodies, similar to bottom-dwelling stingrays, mantas have developed unique wing-like pectoral fins, which allow them to move within the water column as if they were flying. Manta rays, just like sharks, are a part of the elasmobranch group. Learn more about these beautiful fish, places to see them and guidelines for interacting with them. If you are lucky enough to spot the manta frolicking in the surf, or enjoying the skincare treatment at a cleaning station, you will surely be left in awe. These large beings capture the imaginations of many divers and snorkelers around the world thanks to the grace and majesty with which they glide through the sea.
T anta rays are among the most beloved of all marine creatures.
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