World Manta Day | Manta Rays Characteristics 

World Manta Day is celebrated on 17^th September every year. This day aims to raise awareness about Manta Rays and Manta rays conservation. As well as this day also raises awareness about the threats they face in ocean. World Manta Day 2024 theme is The Power of Storytelling in Manta Rays Conservation. Mantas are also known as devil fish due to their horn-shaped cephalic fins. The name manta means blanket or cloak in Spanish. They are named for their unique appearance. In addition, these devil fish are known for high levels of intelligence and long-term memory. Mirror recognition is also among Manta Rays Characteristics. The Manta Trust is working on Manta Conservation.

Manta Rays Characteristics 

Manta rays belong to the genus Mobula and the family Mobulidae. They are among the largest rays in the ocean. There are two species of Mantas; Manta birostris (Giant Oceanic Manta Ray) and  Manta alfredi (Reef Manta Ray). They can weigh as much as 1,350 kg.

Devil fish have a flat, diamond-shaped disk-like body. They have broad heads. They have eyes on the sides of their heads behind the cephalic fins. Moreover, they have fleshy large triangular pectoral fins that look like wings. They have horn-shaped cephalic fins located on the front of their heads due to which they are called devil fish. However, they use cephalic fins to funnel plankton and small fish into their mouths because Mantas are filter feeders.

What are Filter Feeders – Whale Shark 

Filter feeder means they feed on plankton, small fish, and other microscopic organisms by swimming. They swim with their mouths open and filter water through specialized gill rakers. Moreover, they have large brain compared to other fish. Therefore, they can pass the mirror test. The mirror test is also called the mirror self-recognition test (MSR).  It means the animal possesses the ability to recognize itself in a mirror.

They have shorter tail than their body and tail lacks skeletal support. Normally, they have a “chevron” coloration. But they are usually dark on the dorsal side and light on the ventral side. Also, they have unique patterns of spots or markings on their underside.

Characteristics of Electric Eel

Habitat of Mantas

Manta rays are found in tropical and subtropical waters and temperate around the world.  Usually, they exist in shallow coastal areas or in the open ocean. They are most commonly found between 35° North and 35° South latitudes, around the equator. They were founded in North Carolina of the United States (31°N) and the North Island of New Zealand.

Editor In Chief

Dr. Jassar Aftab is a qualified Veterinarian having expertise in veterinary communication. He is a renowned veterinary Journalist of Pakistan. He is veterinary columnist, veterinary writer and veterinary analyst. He is the author of three books. He has written a number of articles and columns on different topics related to livestock, dairy, poultry, wildlife, fisheries, food security and different aspects of animal sciences and veterinary education.

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