Premium Only Content
Rare black giant manta ray drifts casually past scuba divers in Indonesia
Scuba divers in Indonesia were thrilled to see a school of giant manta rays drifting casually past them. But even more amazing was the fact that one of them was entirely black, except for a few white spots on its underbelly. These mantas typically have white underbellies and white markings on their backs. Referred to as melanism, it is highly unusual in marine species. In terrestrial animals, it is much more common. AN example is black panthers, which are actually jaguars with a colour differentiation. Although this phenomenon has been occurring more frequently in recent years, it is specific to manta rays. No other shark or ray species exhibits this melanism.
Scientists are fascinated with this development. Recent studies have revealed that there is a significant population of black mantas in Raja Ampat, Indonesia as well as Ecuador. The confusing part for researchers is that these two populations have shown up despite the great geographical distance between the two regions. This has produced more questions than answers.
Scientists have explored whether this colouration affects survival rates. There has been no evidence to suggest that predators are more or less likely to target black mantas.
Understanding melaism among manta rays will help scientists understand the migration and breeding habits of mantas as they explore the possibility that this trait has been spread because different manta ray populations are connected.
As we learn more about animals and about the world around us, we also learn how much we don't yet know.
-
0:47
WildCreatures
17 days ago $0.94 earnedScuba diver has mind-blowingly close encounter with giant whale shark
2.36K6 -
DVR
Russell Brand
2 hours agoKamala Goes BANKRUPT & WARS w/Biden + President Trump Announces Plan To RECLAIM Free Speech - SF490
44.3K -
LIVE
vivafrei
3 hours agoThe Absolute State of Canada - Artur Pawlowski Interview AND MORE CANADIAN MADNESS! Viva Frei
3,830 watching -
LIVE
The Charlie Kirk Show
1 hour agoFulfill The Mandate | Paoletta, Schilling, Schlicther | 11.11.24
19,280 watching -
1:03:34
Grant Stinchfield
1 hour agoIs There a Potential Coup Going on Inside the Pentagon? The Shadow State is Real!
177 -
LIVE
Nerdrotic
3 hours agoNerdrotic Nooner 442
2,652 watching -
1:01:08
The Dan Bongino Show
4 hours agoTrump Makes His First Big Moves (Ep. 2368) - 11/11/2024
559K1.06K -
1:57:22
Steven Crowder
4 hours agoThe 4B Movement: How Trump is Saving the World from Liberal Women
441K44 -
1:24:03
The Rubin Report
2 hours ago'Real Time' Crowd Stunned as Bill Maher Gives a Brutal Message to Democrats
44.2K15 -
DVR
Benny Johnson
2 hours agoDC Swamp Declares WAR on TRUMP in Senate Battle to REPLACE Mitch McConnell! We EXPOSED Secret Ballot
78.2K