| One of the many impressive marine encounters in | | | | on the ventral side and the lifetime pattern of |
| Galápagos is with the Pacific manta ray (Manta | | | | scars form a pattern of markings as unique as a |
| hamiltoni), the largest of the rays. Specimens of | | | | human fingerprint.! |
| this cartilaginous fish have reached | | | | |
| “wingspans” of more than 7 metres | | | | Their range is circumtropical, with sightings in the |
| across, and, with their flattened body shape, they | | | | Atlantic from as far north as New England and |
| glide like underwater birds. Manta rays are filter | | | | south to Brazil. In the Galapagos Islands, these |
| feeders, gulping large amounts of water into their | | | | amazing creatures are often seen by snorkelers |
| mouths with the help of special appendixes on | | | | or even from the dinghies as they surface to |
| both sides of their heads. These extensions, | | | | catch a glimpse of humans. Mantas are known to |
| known as cephalic lobes, also give them their | | | | breach and sometimes even leap completely out |
| alternate name “Devil Ray.” Once they | | | | of the water. No one can really explain this |
| have a mouthful of water and plankton, they spit | | | | behaviour. It may be simple curiosity, |
| the water back out and eat the plankton. | | | | communication to others of their own species, |
| | | | | desire to rid themselves of skin parasites or they |
| One interesting feature of Mantas is their colour | | | | may be playing. Leaping male Mantas may also |
| pattern. Mantas are most commonly black above | | | | show their fitness as a part of their elaborated |
| and white below, but some are blue on their | | | | courtship display. During this display, several males |
| backs. Individual mantas possess distinct dorsal | | | | fight over females, the winner mates with her |
| and ventral coloration that is unique to each | | | | using his claspers, and copulation may last a little |
| animal. It is believed that the markings on their | | | | over a minute!! |
| shoulders and ventral side show distinctive regional | | | | |
| differences. The size and shape of the shoulder | | | | Mantas add beauty and mystery to our world and |
| patches, the precise form of spots and blotches | | | | it is up to us to protect and respect them. |