Alfred manta

Inhale plankton with a large mouth.

Scientific name	Mobula alfredi
English name	Alfred manta
Japanese name	Nanyomanta
Classification	Chondrichthyes
Classification details	Myliobatiformes Mobulidae
Full length	3-5.5m
Distribution	Subtropical waters of the Pacific and Indian Oceans.

Characteristics

A large stingray that looks like a lozenge stretched horizontally. It can reach up to 5m or more. The belly is whitish with occasional gray spots. This spot has individual differences. When viewed from below, five pairs of gills can be seen. The back is gray to indigo, almost black.

Swims with a pair of cranial fins sticking out in front. It has an elongated caudal fin, but it is not poisonous.

Ecology

Inhabits near the surface of the sea in subtropical coastal areas. It swims with its mouth wide open and filters out plankton to eat. They sometimes attach remora and other fish to their bodies as they aim for leftover food.

Habitat

Ishigaki Island

I took a picture of an individual I met on a boat dive. I swam into relatively shallow water and looked up from below. It circled around the reef several times, but quickly swam away. It was only for a moment, but I was impressed by its size and its leisurely swimming.