New Manta Ray Discovered

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.