After 5 years of research, scientists have confirmed that a new species of manta ray has been discovered. This is the first time ever a new manta ray has been identified. Until now it was thought that there was only one manta ray species.

The newly-discovered species leads a different lifestyle to its smaller cousin and is migratory rather than residential. Andrea Marshall is a PhD marine biologist sponsored by the Save Our
Seas Foundation (SOSF) to advance scientific knowledge of the ray whose
large triangular pectoral fins can span almost 8m (26 feet) in width and can
weigh more than 2,000 kg (2.2 tons or more than 4,000 pounds).

She suspected the existence of a
separate species and was able to confirm her theory through genetic and
morphological analysis. There may even be a third manta species that
exists across temperate, tropical and subtropical waters worldwide.

The discovery of a new species is likely to affect conservation ideas and policies about rays. The manta now confirmed as a distinct species is the larger of the two
and tends to shy away from divers rather than seeking interaction.

Other differences between the two species lie in color, skin texture
and reproductive biology. The smaller of the two species is not
migratory and is often encountered at coral reefs where they congregate
to be cleaned by parasite-eating fish in locations such as Hawaii, the
Maldives, Mozambique, Australia, Japan and the Island of Yap.

SOSF aims to learn more about the role of marine
species, particularly sharks and rays, and through this knowledge it
hopes to raise awareness and conserve the marine realm. For more information visit www.saveourseas.com. 

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