Atlantic Manta/Manta Ray (Mobulidae -Selachii: Manta birostris)

Common Names: page (bicol) Discoverer:  Category: VULNERABLE Status: Resident / Migratory Description : The smallest of the devil rays, species Mobula diabolis of   Australia, grows to no more than 60 cm (2 feet) across, but the Atlantic manta, or giant devil ray (Manta birostris), largest of the family, may grow to more than 7 m (23 feet) wide. The Atlantic manta is a well-known species, brown or black in colour and very powerful, but inoffensive. Like other rays, the Manta has a skeleton made out of cartilage instead of bone, and its nostrils, mouth and gill slits are ventral, or located on its underside.  Flattened, and wider than they are long, devil rays have fleshy, enlarged pectoral fins that look like wings; extensions of these fins, looking like devils' horns, project as the cephalic fins from the front of the head. Devil rays have long, whiplike tails provided, in some species, with one or more stinging spines. Habitat/Behavior: Manta rays give birth to live young. When their babies are born they are wrapped up in their little wing flaps like pigs in a blanket. Baby manta rays are called "pups." Manta rays usually swim in pairs, and although they seem frightening, manta rays are so gentle that many will even let humans pet them. Habitat/Distribution: Devil rays, related to sharks and skates, are found in warm waters along continents and islands. They swim at or near the surface, propelling themselves by flapping their pectoral fins and, at times, leaping or somersaulting out of the water. They feed on plankton and small fishes that they sweep into their mouths with their cephalic fins. Historical Accounts:  For centuries it was thought that the manta ray, or "devilfish," was an evil ocean beast capable of destroying fishing boats and devouring people. Threats:  The Manta ray is considered a delicacy, has not been officially declared endangered although their numbers have significantly declined in recent years because of growing local and foreign demand, mainly in Taiwan. Feeding/Diet:  Manta rays live mainly in tropical waters and feed on zooplankton, small fish and crustaceans. Manta rays can be found browsing through sandflats in search of food or, sometimes, leaping clear out of the water. Conservation Activities: ~ An administrative order was made making it unlawful to catch, sell, purchase, possess, transport and export whale sharks (scientific name: Rhincodon typus) and manta rays (Manta birostris). These species have been declared protected creatures under Fisheries Administrative Order 193, Series of 1998. The ban on the harvest of whale sharks and manta rays was recommended by Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources director Dennis Araullo. FAO 193 takes effect 15 days upon publication in two nationally circulated newspapers. 4-year jail term. Under the law, violators will be fined not less than P500 and not more than P5,000 and/or imprisonment from six months to four years. BFAR can also impose an administrative fine of not more than P5,000 and/or cancel the license or permit of a trader found to have caught whale sharks and manta rays. Interesting Information: This giant sea creature takes its name from the Spanish word "manta" meaning blanket. With its enormous black fins extended, the manta ray really does look like a huge floating blanket. Photograph Information: Courtesy of the Knowledge Adventure, Inc and Kenneth J. Howard

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