: They are frequently caught in non-selective fishing gear like drift gillnets.
Like all members of the genus Mobula , Atlantic mantas are . They use their paddle-like cephalic fins to scoop plankton and small crustaceans into their wide, terminal mouths. atlantic manta
: These rays are in perpetual motion to maintain water flow over their gills for breathing. : They are frequently caught in non-selective fishing
: They possess the largest brain-to-body weight ratio of any living fish, contributing to their reputation for curiosity and social interaction with divers. : These rays are in perpetual motion to
: Because they frequent shallow coastal waters more than oceanic mantas, they are at higher risk for boat strikes and plastic pollution.
: Their gill plates are highly valued in some international markets for traditional medicinal tonics, despite no scientific evidence of health benefits.
: They have extremely low reproductive rates, typically giving birth to only one pup every two to three years after a year-long gestation. Conservation Challenges