Inshore Manta Ray Collection

Reef manta rays (Manta alfredi) filter feeding in atoll passes and lagoons Hanifaru Bay, Raa Atoll, Maldives

Reef manta ray (Manta alfredi) filter feeding on plankton. Madhivafaru Reef, Raa Atoll, Maldives

Reef manta ray (Manta alfredi) shoal filter feeding on plankton concentrated by monsoon currents in Raa Atoll, Vandhoo Thila, Maldives. October

Portrait of a large female Reef manta ray (Mobula alfredi) swimming over a coral reef. Misool, Raja Ampat, West Papua, Indonesia. Ceram Sea. Tropical West Pacific Ocean

Pair of reef mantas (Mobula alfredi) visiting a colourful cleaning station on a coral reef. Laamu Atoll, Maldives. Indian Ocean

RF - Reef manta (Mobula alfredi) female swimming close to a coral reef, while Cleaner wrasse (Labroides dimidiatus), tiny by comparison, pick parasites from its belly

Reef manta (Manta alfredi) mouth open feeding at night, South Ari atoll, Maldives, Indian Ocean

Reef manta ray (Mobula alfredi) swimming with a Twinspot snapper (Lutjanus bohar), Okinawa, Japan, Pacific Ocean

Reef manta ray (Mobula alfredi) feeding on plankton aggregating in the lights from a boat at night, Ari Atoll, Maldives, Indian Ocean

Manta ray (Mobula alfredi) feeding on plankton aggregated in the lights from a boat at night, North Ari Atoll, Maldives, Indian Ocean

RF - Reef manta (Mobula alfredi) swimming in open water with a Remora (Remora remora) swimming below, North Ari Atoll, Maldives, Indian Ocean

Manta ray (Mobula alfredi) with mouth open, feeding on plankton near the surface, Hanifaru Lagoon, Baa Atoll, Maldives, Indian Ocean

Reef manta ray (Mobula alfredi) feeding, with gills and cephalic lobes visible, Dampier strait, Raja Ampat, West Papua Indonesia, Pacific Ocean

A reef manta ray in Mayotte
Une magnifique raie manta de rA©cif dans le lagon de Mayotte.. Barathieu Gabriel

Reef manta (Mobula alfredi) visiting a cleaning station on a coral reef with a school of Onespot snappers (Lutjanus monostigma)

Reef manta (Mobula alfredi) female swimming close to a coral reef, while cleaner wrasse (Labroides dimidiatus), tiny by comparison, pick parasites from her lips

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The inshore manta ray, scientifically known as Manta alfredi, is a magnificent creature that can be found in various locations around the world. One of their favorite feeding grounds is in atoll passes and lagoons like Hanifaru Bay, where they engage in filter feeding on plankton. These gentle giants gracefully swim through the water, using their large cephalic lobes to funnel water into their mouths and capture tiny organisms. In some areas, such as during monsoon seasons, these reef manta rays form shoals to feed on plankton that becomes concentrated due to natural phenomena. It's truly a sight to behold when you witness a group of these majestic creatures swimming together while filtering out their food. These beautiful creatures are often seen swimming over vibrant coral reefs, adding an extra touch of elegance to the already stunning underwater landscapes. Sometimes they even have company from cleaner wrasse or other fish species who benefit from hitching a ride or cleaning parasites off the mantas' bodies. Not only do they thrive in tropical waters like Okinawa, Japan and the Maldives' Ari Atoll but also venture into open water where they may encounter interesting companions like Remora fish. This symbiotic relationship allows both species to benefit - the remoras get protection and access to leftover meals while the mantas enjoy cleaner skin surfaces. Even at nightfall when darkness engulfs most parts of our planet's oceans, these remarkable animals continue their search for sustenance by feeding on plankton attracted by boat lights. The mesmerizing scene unfolds as mantas glide gracefully beneath illuminated waters. One cannot help but admire them with awe when witnessing an inshore manta ray with its mouth wide open near the surface as it feeds voraciously on plankton-rich waters. Their gills and distinctive cephalic lobes become visible during this process—a true testament to nature's ingenuity.