The Indian Ocean - Manta rays, Tofo
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The Indian Ocean
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Introduction
The Indian Ocean is the third largest body of water on Earth at more than 6,000 miles wide and covering 13% of the world's surface. It is home to 5,000 species of fish, many of which only exist in the Indian Ocean. But it is also an ocean under threat from global issues such as over-fishing and climate change, which make this an ocean on the edge.
Manta rays, Tofo
Overview
The manta is the largest of the rays and can weigh up to 1.5 tonnes. One of the world's largest manta ray populations is found off the southern coast of Mozambique. Around three quarters of this population have been victims of shark attacks. These attacks would usually decimate this population however these rays appear to be surviving and in good health.
The reason for the good health of these rays could be due to them making regular visits to cleaning stations. This is where small fish feast on imperfections left on the manta. In this particular reef, yellow butterfly fish and moon wrasse have been witnessed cleaning shark bites on manta rays. They do this by removing dead and infected flesh from around the wounds. This could be why the manta rays here have such remarkable resilience to shark bites.
| Importance: | These manta rays keep their cuts healthy by regular visits to this cleaning station. |
| Dive category: | This is a dive that reaches 30m. There can be strong currents in this area so it is only recommended for experienced divers. |
| Access: | This dive site can only be accessed by a boat launched from a beach so access can be impeded by large waves. |
Interesting for
- Population ecology of manta rays
- Details about a research project helping to conserve the welfare of manta rays in Mozambique.
- Manta ray research
- The stunning manta ray
- ARKive gives a comprehensive summary of facts and figures on the manta ray.
- Manta Ray (Manta birostris)
- A place where marine life pampers itself
- Wikipedia explains what happens at marine cleaning stations.
- Cleaning station
BBC related content
- Oceans presenter biography: Paul Rose
- Oceans presenter biography: Tooni Mahto
- Oceans image gallery: The Indian Ocean
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