The Alfred Manta (Mobula alfredi) is a large, graceful ray known for its impressive size and acrobatic displays. This species is found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world, often in coastal regions and near reefs.
Description & Characteristics
The Alfred Manta is a truly remarkable creature. Its defining characteristic is its massive pectoral fins, which give it a distinctive manta-like shape. The average adult Alfred Manta can reach a maximum size of 500.0 cm (16.4 ft) in length, making it one of the largest known rays. Its body is flattened dorsoventrally, with a broad, triangular head and a pair of large, forward-facing eyes. The Alfred Manta’s mouth is located on the underside of its head and is lined with rows of small teeth.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Alfred Manta prefers warm waters and is typically found in the Subtidal, sublittoral, infralittoral, and deep zone of the oceans from the lower limit of the intertidal zone (intertidal) to the shelf edge at about 200 m water depth. neritic., making it a prevalent presence in these aquatic ecosystems. They are frequently observed near coral reefs, seamounts, and areas with strong currents, where they can efficiently filter feed.
Taxonomy
The species Mobula alfredi belongs to the Class: Elasmobranchii, Order: Myliobatiformes, and Family: Mobulidae. This classification places it within the group of cartilaginous fish, specifically within the order of ray-like fish.
Feeding
Alfred Mantas are filter feeders, primarily consuming zooplankton, krill, mysis, phytoplankton, and shrimps. They use their large, gill plates to filter out small organisms from the water column. The Alfred Manta often swims with its mouth open, allowing water to flow through its gills, trapping its prey. This feeding method is highly efficient, enabling them to consume large quantities of plankton.
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