Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary Manta Catalog Images: M1, M2, M3

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MANTA CATALOG - M1, M2, M3

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 M1, M2, and M3, 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.

M1 - SPOTS

Belly view of manta ray M1 showing its spot pattern.
Manta M1
9/30/1997
Sonnier Bank
Note: M1 is missing its tail.

Top view of manta ray M1 swiimming away from photographer. Claspers are visible indicating it is a male. This manta has no tail.
Manta M1
9/30/1997
Sonnier Bank
Note: M1 is missing its tail.

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M2 - SPOTS

Belly image of manta ray M2 showing its spots.
Manta M2
1993
Photo credit: Jesse Cancelmo

Belly view of manta ray M2. To the right, swimming behind M2, the head of a mobula ray is visible.
Manta M2
6/2/1997
East Flower Garden Bank
Swimming with a mobula ray
Photo credit: Gittings/FGBNMS

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M3 - SPOTS

Belly view of manta ray M3 swimming toward photographer
Manta M3
No additional information available

Belly view of manta ray M3 swimming away from photographer
Manta M3
No additional information available

Digital enhancement of the spot pattern near M3's tail
Manta M3
Digital enhancement of spot pattern

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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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Juvenile blue tang (fish). Bright yellow body with irridescent blue marking around eye and at top edge of dorsal fin.