Alfred Manta (Mobula alfredi)

Also known as Australian Devil Ray, Coastal Manta Ray, Devilfish, Inshore Manta Ray, Manta Ray, Munguna, Prince Alfred's Ray, Reef Manta Ray, Residential Manta Ray

Description

Also known as Australian Devil Ray, Coastal Manta Ray, Devilfish, Inshore Manta Ray, Manta Ray, Munguna, Prince Alfred's Ray, Reef Manta Ray, Residential Manta Ray.

Found singly, or in small squadrons, close to inshore waters, or just a few kilometers from land, around coastlines, and over coral and rocky reefs. These beautiful creatures are a threatened species.
They feed on plankton.
Length - 500cm
Depth - 0-120m
Circumtropical


They belong to the family of Devil Rays who are identified by head fins, which when rolled up 'look like horns' and when unfurled they act like a funnel for the mouth when feeding on plankton and fish larvae. they are filter feeders,found at cleaning stations, along reef edges and at the surface.

These beautiful graceful rays are huge and awesome to see.
They can leap into the air and give a flat resounding crash as a ton of flesh hits the water. They have no teeth or grinders, no tail stinger, but rely on speed to survive. (From "The Silent World" by Jacques Cousteau)

The first time one of our son's saw this coming towards him when he was snorkelling alone by the dive boat he thought he was "DEAD MEAT"
When we surfaced and then dived down to look he knew he was safe!! Ref: https://www.fishbase.in/summary/65179

0 comments

Leave a comment

Known Sightings / Photograph Locations

Share this: