Some are also used in traditional medicines.Ī small market exists for the live capture of individuals for sale in to the aquarium trade. Much of this capture is undertaken to fuel demand for their meat, oil and gill plates. This is the largest driver of their decline. Their large size and slow swimming speed give them little defense against capture. They are captured both directly and as by-catch in fisheries. This species has been the subject of less study due to their more oceanic habitat. They may also leap from the water.ĭespite difficulties in determining the global population size of the giant oceanic manta ray it is still widely accepted that their population is in decline. When threatened by a predator the manta ray can accelerate its swimming pace to avoid predation. Predators of the giant oceanic manta ray include sharks and killer whales. What stops the Giant Oceanic Manta Ray from surviving and thriving? This allows them to feed continuously as they move through the water. The giant oceanic manta ray has its mouth positioned at the front of the body. How does the Giant Oceanic Manta Ray survive in its habitat? This does not have the fin or sting seen in other ray species. These work to funnel food towards their mouth.Ī short tail is present at the end of their body. On either side of the head are two large appendages known as lobes. These are unique to each individual and can be used to tell them apart. Coloration is variable among individuals with some being almost entirely black and others being black on the upper side and white on the underside.Īlong the underside of the giant oceanic manta ray are black spots. On top of the fins are two white marks over the shoulder area. To move through the water they move these fins up and down. Individuals can reach lengths of between 4 and 7m (13 and 23ft) long with a weight of up to 1.8 tonnes (1.75tons).Īs a ray they have large, triangular, pectoral fins on either side of the body. The giant oceanic manta ray is, as their name suggests the world’s largest species of ray. What does the Giant Oceanic Manta Ray look like? Read to learn more about these fabulous fish. As a result it is difficult for them to replace any individuals lost from the population.Ĭurrently they are threatened by fishing with high demand for their meat for use as food and medicines along with their skin for leather. Some small fish are also consumed.įemale manta rays will only produce a single pup every two or three years. They feed mostly on plankton which are microscopic organisms in the oceans. They are found in the pelagic zone of tropical oceans.ĭespite their large size this species poses little threat to other species in the ocean or humans. The giant oceanic manta ray is the world’s largest species of ray.
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