Sightings trends and behaviour of manta rays in Fernando de Noronha Archipelago, Brazil

A decade-long analysis of photographic and video records reveals that manta rays, likely Mobula birostris, inhabit the Fernando de Noronha Archipelago (FNA) year-round, with shallow waters serving as critical feeding grounds. The study, spanning 2002 to 2019, identified 130 sightings, of which 48% were of re-sighted individuals, indicating seasonal and multi-year use of the area. Notably, 69% of observed rays were small (≤3 m disc width), suggesting a juvenile population, further supported by undeveloped claspers in males and absence of mating scars in females. This first report of manta ray behavior at FNA provides preliminary evidence of feeding habits among juveniles in Brazilian waters, contributing to the understanding of their regional distribution and habitat use.

Bucair, N., Venables, S. K., Balboni, A. P., & Marshall, A. D. (2021). Sightings trends and behaviour of manta rays in Fernando de Noronha Archipelago, Brazil. Marine Biodiversity Records, 14(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s41200-021-00204-w