Shark Seen With Manta Ray, Watch

Ocean creatures are pretty stunning, sometimes we don’t even recognise their size and it can be quite surprising. Prepare to be awestruck by nature’s strength in this stunning footage of a big oceanic manta ray that is now going viral on Reddit. 

Manta Ray makes a shark look like a small fish 

The video shows a shark swimming alongside and above the gorgeous creature, emphasising its massive size. To be sure, the shark could be a lesser species (more on this in a bit). Nonetheless, the manta ray makes it appear to be a little fish. 

The incredible video was shot off the coast of Trinidad in the Caribbean, according to Redditor u/AdvisorTime785. They wrote: “Huge oceanic Manta Ray spotted near Trinidad (sharks for scale).” 

According to Sharks Trust, the wingspan of this variety of manta rays may reach a massive nine metres (30ft), making them the largest ray in the world. Another fascinating feature about this species is that it has up to 4,000 small teeth, which it does not utilise for feeding. Instead, they are employed during mating, as the males must hang on to the females. 

With the highest brain-to-body ratio of any cold-blooded fish, they are supposed to be able to pass the mirror test, indicating self-awareness. They can also create mental maps utilising odours and environmental cues, which aids in their migrations. 

A man informed in the comments, “It’s a Cobia! They also travel with Mantas. They can get to around 6 ft, this one seems much smaller than that. Mantas can push 29 feet across. If you put a gun to my head, I’d guess this one is around 15 feet wide, but I could be wrong, and you’d be kind of an asshole for putting a gun to my head.”

What is a Manta Ray?

A manta ray is a large species of ray, belonging to the genus manta. They are found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world and are known for their distinctive triangular-shaped bodies, large size, and graceful movements. Manta rays feed on plankton and small fish and are considered to be important indicators of ocean health. They are also a popular species for ecotourism, as they can be observed up close by divers and snorkelers.

Manta Rays are generally not a threat to humans. They are filter feeders and do not pose any danger to people. In fact, Manta Rays are often considered to be friendly and approachable, which makes them popular among ecotourists and divers. However, like with any wild animal, it’s always important to exercise caution and respect their natural behaviour and habitat. Manta Rays can grow up to 7 meters in size, so it’s best to keep a safe distance and not touch or interfere with them.

But don’t be fooled by their size; manta rays are harmless to people. However, the same cannot be said for the other way around, so if you’re ever fortunate enough to come across one of these wonderful creatures in the deep blue water, keep your distance so as not to disturb them – unless they’re literally asking for help.  

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