This entry was posted on Wednesday, October 1st, 2008 at 8:41 pm and is filed under About, Adventure Cruises, History, Information, Sites, Snorkeling, Snuba. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
Photo Courtesy Dr. Jack Randall
The ancient Hawaiians called this magnificent creature Hahalua. The literal translation means two mouths from the two flap-like appendages (cephalic horns) the manta can curl up when not feeding and unfurl to aid in guiding large amounts of plankton and small fish to the broad mouth.
The manta can reach an amazing width of 30 feet (measured tip to tip across the body) and can weigh more than 3,000 pounds! Not much is known about the biology of this pelagic/shallow water animal, but in spring and autumn they are seen leaping out of the water. Most biologists believe it is the males who may leap, possibly due to a courtship behavior. It is also believed that the females are live bearers. Most do not have the protective barbs of the stingray, and their tails are rope-like and very short.
There have been many studies on the giant manta in Hawaiian waters. Off the Kona coast of the big island of Hawaii, many animals have been identified and cataloged by the ’saddle’ patterns on their backs and freckle patterns on their bellies. When in Hawaiian waters try to make time for a snorkel trip. Young mantas can be very curious and tolerate close human contact. Manta rays are a common occurrence here and often are in very shallow areas. Males leaping out of the water can sometimes appear like a missile (if their pectoral fins are rolled up) or like a giant kite when fully extended. This would surely be a sight to remember for a lifetime. Come to Maui and go out on the water. Make your memories happen.
October 6th, 2008 at 4:54 pm
Manta Rays of Hawaii | Maui Snorkeling Trips…
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October 6th, 2008 at 6:08 pm
Manta Rays of Hawaii | Maui Snorkeling Trips…
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