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MANTA CATALOG - M41, M45, M52

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 M41, M45 and M52, including larger versions of the images from the Mostly White preview page. These mantas have undersides that are mostly white.

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

M41 - MOSTLY WHITE

Belly view of manta ray M41 swimming to the right.
Manta M41
June 2006

Belly view of manta ray M41 swimming to the right.
Manta M41
June 2006
Photo credit: Russ Wilkins

Digital enhancement of spots on belly of manta ray M41
Manta M41
Digital Enhancement

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M45 - MOSTLY WHITE

Belly view of manta ray M45 swimming toward the photographer
Manta M45
2000
Photo credit: Joyce & Frank Burek

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M52 - MOSTLY WHITE

Belly view of manta ray M52 swimming to the right.
Manta M52
3/1/2003
East Flower Garden Bank
Photo credit: Gary Barnes

Side view of manta ray M52 swimming to the left.
Manta M52
3/1/2003
East Flower Garden Bank
Photo credit: Gary Barnes

Belly view of manta ray M52 swimming to the right.
Manta M52
3/1/2003
East Flower Garden Bank
Photo credit: Gary Barnes

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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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