![]() ![]() We discuss these findings in the context of the species? migratory beha.įirst photographic records of the giant manta ray Manta birostris off eastern Australia.Ĭouturier, Lydie I E Jaine, Fabrice R A Kashiwagi, Tom These sightings confirm previous unverified reports on the species occurrence and extend the known distribution range of M. Two individuals were photographed off Montague Island in New South Wales and off the north east coast of Tasmania, during summer 20, respectively. We present the first photographic evidence of the presence of the giant manta ray Manta birostris in east Australian waters. © 2015 The Fisheries Society of the British Isles.įirst photographic records of the giant manta ray Manta birostris off eastern Australia Behavioural observations suggest that the estuary can act as a nursery ground for M. Occurrence and use of an estuarine habitat by giant manta ray Manta birostris.īased on the knowledge of local artisanal fishermen and on direct observations, this study presents evidence that the giant manta ray Manta birostris uses the Paranaguá estuarine complex in south Brazil, south-western Atlantic Ocean, in a predictable seasonal pattern. Given the conservative life history and fisheries pressure on large planktivores, knowledge of their trophic role and foraging strategies is essential to better understand their ecology and develop effective conservation measures. ![]() Manta birostris muscle tissue δ 13 C values were also not consistent with this species feeding predominantly on surface zooplankton and suggest that the majority of dietary intake is of mesopelagic origin. birostris overall at a secondary consumer level of approximately 3.4 but there was large variation in δ 15 N and δ 13 C values among individuals. birostris muscle and surface zooplankton. ![]() To assess how important surface zooplankton is to giant manta ray diet, we conducted stable isotope analysis ( 15 N and 13 C) on M. Recently discovered aggregation sites for the giant manta ray off mainland Ecuador are some of the most accessible to date and provide a unique opportunity for researchers to gather much needed information on this elusive species. The large majority of existing information is based on observational data limited to feeding events at the sea surface during daylight. The characterization of diet for the giant manta ray Manta birostris has been problematic given their large-scale movement patterns and the difficulty in obtaining stomach contents from this species. Manta birostris, predator of the deep? Insight into the diet of the giant manta ray through stable isotope analysis.īurgess, Katherine B Couturier, Lydie I E Marshall, Andrea D Richardson, Anthony J Weeks, Scarla J Bennett, Michael B ![]()
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