The Maldives, an island nation in the Indian Ocean, is home to the largest known population of reef manta rays in the world.
The Maldives, an island nation in the Indian Ocean, is home to the largest known population of reef manta rays in the world.
Guy Stevens/The Manta Trust
Reef manta rays are one of the largest ray species, averaging just over 10 feet wide.
Reef manta rays are one of the largest ray species, averaging just over 10 feet wide.
Guy Stevens/The Manta Trust
The Manta Trust has recorded over 5,100 individual manta rays in its database.
The Manta Trust has recorded over 5,100 individual manta rays in its database.
Simon Hilbourne/The Manta Trust
Researchers with the Manta Trust often photograph the spot patterns on the stomachs of manta rays. Much like human fingerprints, these are unique to each individual.
Researchers with the Manta Trust often photograph the spot patterns on the stomachs of manta rays. Much like human fingerprints, these are unique to each individual.
Simon Hilbourne/The Manta Trust
Despite their size, mantas feed on tiny plankton.
Despite their size, mantas feed on tiny plankton.
Guy Stevens/The Manta Trust
Tracking individual manta rays helps the Manta Trust to understand where they travel and how they make use of the environment.
Tracking individual manta rays helps the Manta Trust to understand where they travel and how they make use of the environment.
Kaitlyn Zerr/The Manta Trust
Researchers from the Manta Trust record data six days a week, for more than half the year.
Researchers from the Manta Trust record data six days a week, for more than half the year.
Simon Hilbourne/The Manta Trust
Mantas often visit the same spots, known as cleaning stations, repeatedly. In these locations, they are cleaned by smaller fish that eat parasites off their bodies.
Mantas often visit the same spots, known as cleaning stations, repeatedly. In these locations, they are cleaned by smaller fish that eat parasites off their bodies.
Guy Stevens/The Manta Trust
Much is still unknown about reef manta rays, but their lifespan is thought to be around 40 years, according to the Manta Trust.
Much is still unknown about reef manta rays, but their lifespan is thought to be around 40 years, according to the Manta Trust.
Guy Stevens/The Manta Trust
The Manta Trust's work has helped lead to legal habitat protection for mantas, and their inclusion on the Maldives' list of protected species.
The Manta Trust's work has helped lead to legal habitat protection for mantas, and their inclusion on the Maldives' list of protected species.
Guy Stevens/The Manta Trust