Flying manta ray soars ten feet in the air to find mate

http://www.metro.co.uk/weird/836438-...h-to-find-mate


If you thought it was just dolphins who liked to make a big splash in the sea, then think again. Manta rays can do it too when they are looking for love.

The creatures, which look similar to Stealth bomber drone planes in these pictures, were spotted leaping 3m (10ft) in the air.

Once airborne, the rays – which can weigh up to 2.3tonnes – flapped their fins in what looked like an attempt to glide.

And, if they were feeling particularly playful, some even managed a somersault before plummeting back into the water with an impressive splash.

Photographers Roland and Julia Seitre spotted the rays, which measured about 90cm (3ft) across, off the coast of Costa Rica, Central America.


The French couple were actually hoping to see some whales but were treated to this rare acrobatic display instead.


‘The males flapped their wings during the few seconds of flight, before hitting the surface with a loud banging noise,’ said Mr Seitre. ‘Some think it is a way to attract female attention as we saw pairs close by. The bangs are so loud it’s like you’re close to a hunting party with guns.’

Manta rays can grow up to 7.6m (25ft) across. They live in tropical waters and feed mostly on plankton, which are filtered through their gills.

Well, we have our version called the Mile High club, so Mantas too apparently enjoy getting their aerial freak on.... ;)

Fascinating stuff. But noticed on the third comment down on the article that it's actually a mobula ray, as stated by Marine Biologist Amy Taylor, who said...

"Your article on page 3 today incorrectly identified a ray which was breaching out of the water. The ray pictured is actually a mobula ray as opposed to a manta ray. Mobula rays are much smaller than mantas - which accounts for the small size of the ray quoted in your article. The body shape of the ray is also more akin to a mobula ray and the lacks the markings on its back that Mantas typically have. The ray is also lacking the well developed cephalic lobes which are characteristic of a manta ray. Mobula rays are also known to breach up to 3m from the water. Please check your facts before printing marine articles in future."