Manta

Manta is an enigmatic and fantastic creature. The first time I saw it, it was almost like the heart stopped. I saw the big creature come floating, I wished it would like to get close, play and show off, but she wasn't so impressed with us at the time, took a praise on us and then hovered away like a shadow. Though the small moment, I was so happy and overwhelmed…
 
Knowledge about Manta have been very thin and researches have only been done for a few years and have shown a lot of amazing things. For example, we know that there are two species and unfortunately both species are now red listed as vulnerable. One species likes to stay close to the coast and coral, and the other is more out in the seas and can go down to great depths.

There are several major threats that put Manta at risk.
Partly they get caught in fishing nets and become part of a by-catch. It is also caught for its gills and meats when used in Chinese medicine.
Because they do not reproduce so quickly, they have difficulty recovering.
Thanks to tourism and diving, some countries have realized that the economic value of a living Manta is greater than a dead, which has increased their chances a little more.
 
The largest species of Manta can be an impressive 7 meters between the wing tips.
The manta cannot be still and resting, but must constantly move in order for the water to pass through the gills and be able to breathe.
 
Mantas has filtered just like whales and eats plankton. They are counted as a fish, are very intelligent, curious and behave like whales. They love to play and would love to come and swim near divers if they are in a playful mood. On their underside, they have individual drawings as a fingerprint.
 
They are pregnant for one year, have babies every two or three years, and give birth to living babies.