![]() Although they may seem quite similar, some distinct characteristics allow us to differentiate between them. The two main stars of this family are the Mobula birostris, or giant oceanic manta ray, and the Mobula alfredi, or reef manta ray. ![]() Until 2017, these creatures belonged to two categories - Mobula and Manta - but genetic studies now suggest that they are part of the same genus. What’s the difference between the two most recognized varieties of mobulas?ĭivers love many types of rays, but some of the most impressive are part of the genus Mobula. Manta rays have a forward-facing mouth, while the other mobula rays and devil rays have a downward-facing mouth. While they have more or less the same shape, giant oceanic mantas are much larger than other mobula types, but what really differentiates them is the position of their mouth. How Are Mantas Different from other mobulas? Mergui Archipelago in Myanmar and the Socorro Islands in Mexico are some of the best places to meet these gentle giants, while the Maldives and some places in Indonesia feature more regular sightings of reef mantas. Consequently, it’s harder for divers to see giant mantas than their reef-based cousins. Reef mantas tend to be homebodies and do not migrate as far and as deep as the mobula birostris does. They can migrate as far as 620 miles (1000 km) from their homes and can dive down to 3,280 feet (1000 m).Īlthough both of the manta types are pelagic, giant oceanic manta rays prefer the open ocean, while reef mantas stay close to their reef. They prefer water temperatures above 68 F (20 C). These rays predominantly live in temperate, subtropical and tropical waters throughout the world. Where do giant oceanic manta rays live? Manta rays play at Black Rock in Myanmar ![]() Here we’ll share some fun facts and answer some of the most frequently asked questions about giant oceanic manta rays. In fact, the chance to see these animals often entices divers to remote locations all over the world - often on liveaboard dive cruises - for a chance to see them soaring through the deep blue. If the population is suffering through climate change, for example, it might be an indication that other species will also be threatened.Diving with giant oceanic manta rays sits high atop almost every diver’s bucket list. Oceanic manta rays are even more vulnerable than reef mantas and we know very little about this population. “The way reef and oceanic mantas move through their different habitats is very different and we want to understand why huge numbers of oceanic mantas congregate around remote atolls for just a few weeks a year and then disappear. ![]() Lead scientist: Dr Guy Stevensĭr Guy Stevens is the founder and CEO of the Manta Trust, a charity that works to advance the worldwide conservation of manta rays and their close relatives. The research will be used to inform conservation management decisions throughout the Indian Ocean with additional support from Conservation International. For effective protection of these vulnerable species, it is essential to have accurate estimates of their population size, structure, habitat use and connectivity. As well as ongoing studies of reef mantas, this expedition will explore remote and hard-to-access areas of the vast Maldives archipelago to discover and document these new populations. The Manta Trust is at the early stages of understanding newly discovered oceanic manta ray population in the Maldives. Availability of a manned submersible and crew would be extremely beneficial, but not necessary. A diving compressor, dive tanks and a suitable support vessel to dive/free-dive from is required. Berths, duration and equipment requirementsĪ two-week period of two to four berths in the first quarter of 2021/22 for oceanic manta rays and year-round for reef manta rays. Yacht owners will be able to dive, snorkel and free dive to observe the work of the scientists. A lot is known about the smaller reef manta rays in the more accessible areas of the Maldives but the team also wants to understand migration and habitat use of oceanic mantas in the more remote regions of this huge archipelago. The project is an extension of research on mantas in the Maldives that has been going on for more than 17 years.
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