First photographic evidence of oceanic manta rays (Mobula birostris) at two locations in the Fiji islands.

ABSTRACT: Until the revision of the genus Manta in 2009, when a second manta species (Manta alfredi) was resurrected based on morphological and meristic data, all available records in Fijian literature were recorded as Manta birostris. Subsequently, documented sightings were recorded as M. alfredi. Another reclassification of the genus Manta was undertaken in 2018 when both manta ray species (Manta alfredi, Manta birostris) were moved to Mobula based on phylogenetic analysis. Here, we present the first unequivocal evidence of oceanic manta ray (Mobula birostris) occurrence in Fijian waters. In November 2018, two individuals were sighted foraging in Laucala Bay, a large lagoon adjacent to Suva, the capital city of Fiji. Subsequently, three more

SUBMITTER: Gordon L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9463998 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature