Both the Mantas and Mobulas of the Sea of Cortez belong to the family, Mobulidae, a group of whom little is known. Their behavior is peculiar, unlike its relative the stingray, in size and their unique acrobatic flights.
In fact, mantas, especially the Pacific Stingray grow can grow large. The circumference of their body can easily reach eight meters. On the other hand, the Mobulas do not exceed three meters.
According to research, Mobulas and Mantas feed on small microscopic crustaceans, through filters located in their gills .
These animals leap from the water into the air, like other species such as dolphins. Scientists do not know why, but these animals can jump up to 3 feet from the water. This phenomenon has been recorded in different parts of the world including the Sea of Cortez. This behavior is suspected to attract females, communicate between them each other and or a way to escape large predators. There are three main types of jumps, forward falling headlong, forward dropping tail and doing flips.
In the Bay of Los Cabos, the spectacle of flying rays is awesome, have you ever seen it? In the summer months, you can witness this spectacle on any daily our tours that cruise along the coast of the Pacific Ocean and also into the Sea of Cortez.
Here are 5 interesting facts about Mantas and Mobulas:
- Are one of the fastest moving animals in the water.
- Non-social species, rather live alone, except when mating or where there are large amounts of food.
- Mantas as opposed to rays, are peaceful and can perfectly coexist with people without danger.
- Acrobatic movements of Manta Rays confirm us that they do not possess a skeleton of bone, like the rest of vertebrates.
- The main predators of stingrays are orcas and sharks, although the latter is considered its closest relatives within the aquatic world.