Manta Ray Mantarochen

With distinctive "horns" (from which the common name 'devil ray' stems), on either side of its broad head, the manta is a prized sighting by divers. These unique structures are actually derived from the pectoral fins. During embryonic development, part of the pectoral fin breaks away and moves forward, surrounding the mouth. This gives the Manta ray the distinction of being the only jawed vertebrate to have novel limbs (the so-called six-footed tortoise (Manouria emys) does not actually have six legs, only enlarged tuberculate scales on their thighs that look superficially like an extra pair of hind limbs). These flexible horns are used to direct plankton, small fish and water into the Manta's very broad and wide mouth. The manta can curl them up to reduce drag while swimming.

by deepfreaks

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• Manta
• Ray
• Rochen
• malediven
• deepfreaks

[dumoulin11]

Thank you for this, I'd always wondered about that feature  of Mantas.

Great footage, brings back great memories of dives I've had in Martinique.

[agustus12]

beautiful creature

[Pablooleamoreno]

Amazing...