Manta birostris

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!

Juan Vega Manta Birostris yesterday! Zavora - Mozambique canon 550d - Aquatica housing, 1 sea&sea ys01 f7.1,1/200, ISO100 Tokina fish eye 10 -17

Juan Vega Manta Birostris yesterday! Zavora - Mozambique canon 550d - Aquatica housing, 1 sea&sea ys01 f7.1,1/200, ISO100 Tokina fish eye 10 -17

Andry Lavigne raja ampat, indonesia

Mohamed Riyaz amazing, come to shoot in the Maldives

Ron Silver Manta Ray, Manta birostris

Jeff Milisen Wow!

Giorgio Cavallaro Uwp (Y) (Y) (Y)

Muhamad Rizky Ibrahim Diswarin Wulululuullululululul

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 :)

Guido Leurs You're welcome! :)