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MANTA CATALOG - M20, M22, M24

The Manta Catalog consists of a series of images and sighting information for individual mantas that have been seen at Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary or nearby banks.

Each manta ray has been placed in a category depending on its unique underbelly markings. However, some manta rays' markings might be interpreted differently by different people, so be sure to look at all of the preview images to find the manta you are trying to identify.

This page includes additional images of mantas M20, M22, and M24, including larger versions of the images from the Spots preview page. These mantas have spot-like markings on their undersides.

Sightings and additional observations about these animals are also noted on this page.

M20 - SPOTS

Close up belly view of manta ray M20 swimming to the left
Manta M20
8/31/2006
East Flower Garden Bank, Buoy #1
Note: Seen with M19
Photo Credit: Neal Baltz

Belly view of manta ray M20 swimming to the left
Manta M20
8/31/2006
East Flower Garden Bank, Buoy #1
Note: Seen with M19
Photo Credit: Neal Baltz

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M22 - SPOTS

Belly view of manta ray M22 swimming to the right
Manta M22
7/2/2008
West Flower Garden Bank
Photo credit: Sarah Davies

Belly view of manta ray M22 swimming to the right
Manta M22
7/2/2008
West Flower Garden Bank
Photo credit: Sarah Davies

Belly view of manta ray M22 swimming toward the photographer
Manta M22
7/2/2008
West Flower Garden Bank
Photo credit: Sarah Davies

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M24 - SPOTS

Belly view of manta ray M24 swimming toward the photographer
Manta M24
10/11/2006
Photo credit: Christopher Parsons

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Manta Catalog Preview Images

Additional manta ray images can be viewed at the following links:

  • Spots - individual has spot-like markings
  • Squares - individual has square-like blotches
  • Spots and Squares - individual has a combinationof spots and square patterns
  • Mostly Black - individual is predominantly black/gray with few other markings
  • Mostly White - individual is predominantly white with few other markings
  • Tagged - individual possesses a tag on its dorsal side

For more information on identifiying manta rays, please visit the Manta Catalog page.

For information on manta ray research that is taking place in the sanctuary, please visit the Manta Ray Research page.

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