The beginning of a new species
- This is the 3rd species of Manta ray. This special Manta has been in hiding for 15 years, or that's what we thought, at least. Scientists have been overlooking them as they misidentified them as an oceanic manta. It took genetic testing for it to be recognised as a new species. This is evolution in front of our eyes, as they have only recently diverged from their cousins. It has both traits of the reef and oceanic mantas. It's got the patterns and markings of a reef manta, and it's got the size and shape of an oceanic Manta.
Why is it important?
Until now, all the sightings have been miscounted as they thought it was just oceanic mantas, skewing the data. With the species formally recognised, conservation efforts can now be accurately targeted.
With it being a species that stays close to the coast, it is at risk of fishing gear, boat strikes, pollution, and habitat degradation. A confirmed species name enables policies to change, better tracking, and protection under the international conservation framework.
Here's how to distinguish the three species:
From above, the black dorsal coloration and pectoral fin shape look like a giant oceanic manta (M. birostris). On the belly, the lighter face and spot patterns resemble a reef manta (M. alfredi). The key distinguishing features: Shoulder patches: M. yarae has distinctive "V-shaped" white shoulder patches, unlike the "T-shaped" patches in M. birostris
Face coloration: Lighter coloration around the mouth and eyes compared to the darker faces of giant mantas
Ventral markings: Dark spots typically confined to the abdominal region, not extending between the gills as in reef mantas
Size: Can grow 5-6 meters like giant mantas, though many observed individuals are smaller juveniles, and often found in coastal waters like reef mantas