Based on more than 72,000 sightings, the team found 13 species closely associated with reef manta rays and oceanic manta rays. Reef manta rays (Mobula alfredi) have a semi-circumglobal distribution, while oceanic manta rays (M. birostris) have a circumglobal distribution; both in tropical and subtropical waters. Reef manta rays spend their lives resident to certain reefs and atolls in shallow or coastal areas. Unlike the local patterns of residency exhibited by reef manta rays, oceanic manta rays spend their lives hanging out in the open ocean or in close proximity to deep water. Also read | An investigative documentary follows the illegal trade pipeline of manta rays from the Indian Ocean to ChinaReef manta rays can grow to have a wingspan of up to four metres and oceanic manta rays can grow to have a wingspan up to seven metres (so pretty BIG!).

Source: Indian Express August 12, 2021 12:22 UTC