Fertilized eggs cases grow inside the mother until the pup is developed – this is estimated to take as long as one year, from mating to birth. (The manta in the image above is not eating the little fish!) Manta ray’s give birth to live youngīaby mantas are born looking like miniature adults, and receive no further care from their mothers. They are filter feeders and they typically feed on zooplankton, such as segmented worms and shrimp-like crustaceans. The furthest north a manta has been recorded was near South Carolina in the United States the southernmost record was around the North Island of New Zealand.ĭespite their enormous size, mantas feed on tiny creatures. Manta ray’s are found in tropical and sub-tropical watersīut, there are some places where mantas tend to gather, including the Bahamas, Fiji, Indonesia, Thailand, Spain and the Maldives. The common nickname for mantas, “devilfish”, was given because of their cephalic fins, which look like horns. The name “manta” comes from the Spanish word meaning “mantle” or “cloak” Mantas have to swim constantly to stay alive – the forward propulsion flushes water over their gills. Because of their size, very few aquariums can accommodate mantas, so there are not many in captivity. Manta rays can weigh as much as 1,350 kg (3,000 lb) and have wingspans of up to 7 m (23 ft). The mucus serves as protection and a touch from human hands can remove the film, so hands off! They are some of the largest animals in the ocean Learn more before you meet your first manta by studying up on these facts: A manta’s skin is covered in a mucusy film Just don’t be surprised if, after you’ve seen your first one, you start planning your upcoming dive trips around where you can see another one. Watching such an enormous creature glide through the water with such grace and effortlessness, it’s easy to fall under the manta’s spell. Are you mad about mantas? Then you need to brush up on your manta ray facts!Ī manta ray sighting is one of the most breathtaking experiences a diver can have.
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