At cleaning stations, Manta Rays remain motionless for a few moments while cleaner fish extract pests and necrotic skin. Manta Rays frequently visit cleaning stations, places on coral reefs where other marine life congregates to be groomed by smaller organisms. The only time giant Manta Rays are found together is when they are feeding. Manta Rays employ a variety of strategies for feeding more effectively, including “piggie backs” and “chain feeding.” For optimal filter feeding, Manta Rays, in particular, may congregate together in groups of 100 to 150, creating a swirl like a cyclone. The tissue between the gill arches collects tiny particles during filter feeding. Mantas that are actively foraging flatten their cephalic fins to direct prey into their jaws. Mantas eat tiny to medium-sized fish at greater depths. They ingest a lot of zooplankton at the surface, including shrimp, krill, and crabs. Manta rays are both macro predators and filter feeders. Manta Rays can look intimidating due to their size however, they are not ferocious. The huge Oceanic Manta Ray may weigh thousands of pounds and have a wingspan that can reach a length of 15 ft. On their bellies, they feature characteristic spot markings. While some are virtually all black, others feature chevron coloration, with black back sides and white abdomen. Its head has two cephalic lobes that protrude from the front, earning it the nickname “demon fish.” Manta Rays come in two colors kinds. Manta Rays have broad, flattened, diamond-shaped bodies and triangle pectoral fins on each side of their bodies, which, as they move, look similar to wings. Mantas get their name from a hybrid of Portuguese and Spanish words that translate to “blanket”, referencing the wide flat appearance. The most notable is the Giant Oceanic Manta Ray for its worldwide range and size, while the Reef Manta Ray is smaller and can be found in the Indo-Pacific. However, researchers found two separate species: Manta Alfredi known as the Reef Manta Ray, and Manta Birostris known as Giant Oceanic Manta Ray. For many years, researchers believed there was just one type of manta ray. Manta is the scientific designation for Manta Rays.
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