Manta Ray Spotted By Researchers Off Canaveral National Seashore
By Space Coast Daily // February 18, 2016
BREVARD COUNTY • TITUSVILLE, FLORIDA – During a Right Whale survey, Florida Fish and Wildlife researchers discovered a Manta Ray around 16 nautical miles off Canaveral National Seashore.
The Manta Rays are protected in Florida state waters.
Few facts on Manta Rays:
– The larger species (giant oceanic manta ray) can reach a size of 23 feet in width while the smaller species (reef manta ray) reach a size of 18 feet.
– As filter feeders, manta rays consume large quantities of zooplankton in the form of shrimp, krill and planktonic crabs.
– The primary food source for the Manta Ray is plankton.
– The animals face a difficult situation being listed as vulnerable species whose population has a tendency to decrease due to fishing and habitat degradation.
–Mantas can travel alone or in groups of up to 50.
