Reef Manta Ray (Mobula alfredi) リーフオニイトマキエイ – ナンヨウマンタ – size 500cm wide – Hahalua
A Reef Manta Ray outside of the reef at Poipu. This one was small for a Manta. They are filter feeders and are usually found in areas with lots of plankton. Kauai 2011
Reef Manta Rays have black spots on their bellies. This one has a Pilot Fish with it. Kauai 2011
Reef Manta Rays have white around the mouth and light white areas around the head. Pilot Fish like to stick to sharks and mantas. Kauai 2011
This Reef Manta Ray is on the surface. When the surf picks up the currents concentrate plankton in lines where the Mantas congregate to feed. Kauai 2006