This giant manta ray (Manta birostris) is a typical example of many we encounter during our project research season. Its cephalic fins have been severed, almost certainly by prolonged entanglement in either a fishing line or net. These fins help the manta to feed, and while this one has obviously survived the injuries and the wounds healed, its likely that many are less fortunate. As with most of the mantas we encounter, this one is visiting a reef cleaning station to allow the other fish to eat the parasites and dead skin to keep it healthy.
Posted on: Sun, 21 Sep 2014 22:49:01 +0000
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