Divers Discussion Forum
You can reply to the message below by clicking the reply to this message link. If you have a question or have seen something interesting please please send us a new message. Wade or some of our viewers will reply to your questions.
[ Home | Contents | Search | Post a new message | Reply to this message | Next Message | Previous Message ]
From: Clinton Duffy
Date: 11-02-08
Time: 08:41
Hi John, although several species of giant manta have been described by scientists in different parts of the world only one variable species (Manta birostris) is currently recognised. That doesn't mean the debate has gone away however, so it would good to see an image of your animal. Maximum reported size of giant manta in 9m disc width (DW). I have a reliable sighting of a 7.5 m DW animal off Mayor Island, and several others between 5-5.5 m DW from the outer Hauraki Gulf.
The small rays seen at the shelf break probably were devil rays. Any idea of numbers and sizes? What were they up to and what was the water temp?
Last changed: 11-Feb-2008