Manta rays – Birds of The Ocean

Manta rays are the largest species of ray and live in tropical areas with warm ocean waters all over the world. Their flat, diamond shaped bodies can grow up to approximately 9 Meters or 29 feet. They are also sometimes called the “Devil fish” because they have 2 large horn-like fins protruding from their mouths.

Contrary to popular belief, manta rays aren’t dangerous to humans, because they mainly eat zooplankton and krill. As a matter of fact, data from the IUCN shows that they are vulnerable to humans. This is mainly due to the fishing of these creatures for their meat and gill plates, which are eaten and used for Chinese medicine.

Manta rays often visit cleaning stations, usually reefs, where parasites and dead skin are cleaned off by other smaller creatures. The islands of Nusa Penida houses one of these cleaning stations, where manta rays can occasionally be found.

I was in awe when I saw these manta rays for the first time. Their actions were graceful, with summersaults and barrel rolls seemingly going in slow motion. There are no other words to describe this experience-they were beautiful. This experience was so intriguing to me that I went to the same spot 3 times that same day. There is just nothing else like swimming along with manta rays.