scubaseason

Reef Manta Ray

Mobula alfredi

Sighting evidence at Manta Reef, Kadavu Island

Reef Manta Ray

Photo: Luis P. B. · CC BY-NC

Reef manta rays at this site are resident individuals that return to the cleaning station on most days, with the largest aggregations coinciding with plankton blooms driven by tidal upwellings around the Great Astrolabe Reef. Individual rays are identified by their unique spot patterns on the ventral surface and researchers have documented the same individuals returning across multiple years. Gestation lasts around 12-13 months and pups have been recorded in Fijian waters, suggesting the site is part of a broader mating and nursery corridor.

Evidence at this site

No confirmed records on file at this site

Reef Manta Ray is listed as a curated species here based on historical reports.

How is this calculated?

Sighting evidence is compiled from iNaturalist observation records within a set proximity radius, filtered for quality-grade observations. “Last confirmed” is the date of the most recent research-grade record. Record count covers a rolling 24-month window. Confidence reflects record count, recency, and consistency of seasonal signal.

Also seen at other sites