Manta Ray Research

Manta Ray Research

The Manta Ray is a creature that we simply don’t know very much about. Even with ongoing research in some areas there continues to be plenty of questions. There isn’t always enough funding either to continue the studies that have been started on them. Thanks to various groups with a passion for the Manta Ray and private donations more of them are able to be completed than in the past.

Through various types of research it has been discovered that the Manta Ray engages in three distinct types of jumps. Sometimes they jump forward head first, the can just forward tail first, and they can leap to complete a somersault. It isn’t fully known why such jumps take place though. It could be part of their communication, to draw mates, or to help keep parasites off of them. Other experts also have a theory that these jumps are their way of playing.

These are extremely intelligent creatures and that continues to be one of the areas of ongoing research relating to them. They have amazing memories of places in the water that they have explored. They are also able to remember divers that they have had contact with in the past. Why they aren’t social towards each other is puzzling. While they can get along well enough to live in the same basic areas, they aren’t living in a group. Many researchers speculate that the reason is that they don’t need to depend on others for their own personal safety.

It is known that they are well aware of the presence of each other. They are able to change their straightforward movement patterns when necessary to be able to avoid collisions. There has been some research to find out which one of the Manta Rays move out of the others way and why. Yet there isn’t any conclusive evidence that shows a pattern of such behavior. Perhaps it is merely the first one to pick up on the other in the path that moves.

It is know that they are very active during the day and that they tend to feed at night. They have unlimited supplies of energy and they are constantly on the move. They are able to perform a variety of flips and tricks in the air which definitely gains the attention of spectators. These efforts are to remove parasites and for the females to get the offspring into position to be born.

It isn’t known how deep they can dive for food. They have been noted at 100 feet but that doesn’t mean that they can’t go further. However, it is believed that they are more comfortable towards the surface of the water. This is why they will likely move around to find food instead of diving deeper to get to it.

Researchers are still trying to figure out if the Manta Ray sleeps or not. If they do, it is done with their eyes open! Many believe that they don’t because they swim constantly. However, others believe that a portion of the brain shuts down so that they can get the rest that they need. There isn’t a way yet for researchers to find out what the brainwaves are giving out at different times so they can’t be certain.

Plenty more research needs to be done in regards to the Manta Ray. It is one of the creatures in the water that we know very little about. Hopefully as we learn more we can protect the future for the Manta Ray. There are many online sites where you can find out about the type of research taking place right now. You can even sign up to get alerts as new information is shared. This is a great way to stay on top of the types of Manta Ray research being conducted.