There is an ancient giant fish in the ocean that appears peculiar with two "horns" on its head.
It has the ability to extend its wide "wings" to glide through the water, resembling a devil sweeping past.
This extraordinary creature is known as the manta ray, also referred to as the "devil fish."
Manta rays derive their name from the Spanish word "manta," meaning "blanket," as their bodies resemble a flowing blanket as they swim in the ocean. These cartilaginous fish primarily inhabit subtropical and tropical waters.
With their diamond-shaped bodies, large mouths measuring up to 50 cm wide, and irregular oval body shapes, manta rays have earned their reputation as devil fish. The ocean is home to a myriad of creatures, some of which have strange and intimidating appearances.
Manta rays are ancient cartilaginous fish that have existed for over 100 million years, dating back to the Jurassic period. Their distinctive appearance has attracted divers worldwide to travel great distances to swim alongside these captivating creatures.
While many people find manta rays intimidating due to their appearance, they are actually incredibly gentle creatures.
Their bodies resemble an open blanket, taking on an irregular oval shape. On average, manta rays measure between 50-100 cm, but they can reach lengths exceeding 8 meters.
Manta rays possess a large mouth that opens as they swim, acting as a filter to consume plankton from the water. However, they also feed on other sources of food.
While only 27% of a manta ray's diet consists of zooplankton, they, like many sharks, require constant movement to maintain a sufficient oxygen supply as water passes over their gills.
Unfortunately, this means they cannot stop to sleep or rest and face significant risks if accidentally caught in fishing nets, as their ability to move becomes restricted.
Manta rays are renowned for their impressive leaping ability. Despite their enormous size, they possess incredible strength, allowing them to leap out of the water with their massive bodies.
They employ a unique leaping technique, rotating and ascending before accelerating and propelling themselves out of the water. Sometimes, they can jump up to 2 meters in a single leap, performing acrobatic flips before plunging back into the water.
While they generally do not leap unless in danger or when parasites infest their bodies, these remarkable displays are a sight to behold.
These curious creatures are unafraid of humans when swimming together and display mischievous behavior, such as playfully slapping boats or towing them along.
Notably, manta rays possess the largest brain capacity among all fish. They exhibit high intelligence, with their brains containing a significant number of neuroglial cells associated with cognitive abilities.
In fact, manta rays have more neuroglia than domestic cats, implying they may have higher intelligence than certain pets.
Manta rays also demonstrate high levels of intelligence, as they were the first fish to pass the mirror test. When entangled in fishing nets, they have been observed seeking help, and their reactions to mirrors are peculiar.
While most animals exhibit aggressive behaviors towards their reflections, manta rays do not perceive their reflection as another individual and engage in various novel behaviors.
