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MANTA CATALOG - M49, M53, M56

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 M49, M53, and M56, 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.

M49 - SPOTS

Belly view of manta ray M49 swimming to the left
Manta M49
9/3/2007
East Flower Garden Bank, Buoy #4
Photo credit: Hickerson/FGBNMS

9/10/1999
West Flower Garden Bank
Hickerson/FGBNMS

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M53 - SPOTS


Manta M53
September 2001
Photo credit: Mark Walden

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M56 - SPOTS

Belly view of manta ray M56 swimming to the left.  Part of a divers arm is visible above the manta. A remora is attached to the ray just above the left eye.
Manta M56
Photo credit: Dick Zingula

Close up view of head and belly of manta ray M56 swimming to the left.  A remora is attached to the ray just below the left eye.  A diver is visible swimming just above the reef below and behind the ray.
Manta M56
Photo credit: Mary Donato Currie

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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.
   
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