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Manta birostris
(Walbaum, 1792)
Steve Jones Anyone who’s looked into the eye of a manta will understand what an utter crime it is to kill one, yet manta ray numbers are under serious threat due to the obscene alternative “medicine” demand for their gill rakers, despite there being no evidence of any benefits. The reef manta ray shown here (Manta alfredi), was only identified as a distinct species from the Giant manta ray (Manta birostris) in 2009. Differences in the markings and the absence of the non-functional spine in the tail are two of several identifiers that differentiate the species. Reef mantas grow to a modest 5.5 metres whereas their pelagic cousins can reach 7 metres in wingspan. Taken at Manta Sandy, Raja Ampat with a Seacam housed D700, and Sigma 15mm fisheye. F7.1, 1/160th, ISO 200
Scubashooters Dot Net From scubashooters.net Editor's Choice Manta Birostris - Nusa Penida
Upload Date: May 05 2013
Scientific Name: Manta birostris
Common Name: Manta ray
Location: Nusa Penida, Bali (Indonesia)
Diving Center: Kubu Indah
Lens: Zuiko 8mm Fisheye
Housing: …
Steve Jones Anyone who’s looked into the eye of a manta will understand what an utter crime it is to kill one, yet manta ray numbers are under serious threat due to the obscene alternative “medicine” demand for their gill rakers, despite there being no evidence of any benefits. The reef manta ray shown here (Manta alfredi), was only identified as a distinct species from the Giant manta ray (Manta birostris) in 2009. Differences in the markings and the absence of the non-functional spine in the tail are two of several identifiers that differentiate the species. Reef mantas grow to a modest 5.5 metres whereas their pelagic cousins can reach 7 metres in wingspan. Taken at Manta Sandy, Raja Ampat with a Seacam housed D700, and Sigma 15mm fisheye. F7.1, 1/160th, ISO 200
Patricia Perret Good commentary
Jerome Monney Sad but true:-( Love that picture though!
Guido Leurs From Oceaware:
First ever living hybrid of the two Manta species (Manta alfredi and Manta birostris) was found in the Red Sea. A hybrid is the offspring of two distinctive species and is not new for elasmobranchs (Cartilaginous fishes: sharks, rays and chimaeras). In 2012 a hybrid shark (Carcharhinus tilstoni x Carcharhinus limbatus) appeared to be thriving in waters off Australia.
Paper of this new finding can be downloaded from Springerlink.
Stuart Pearce Thanks Guido, interesting, will download the article and have a good read :)