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MANTA CATALOG - M57, M63, M66

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 larger versions of the M57, M63, M66 images from the Mostly White preview page. These mantas have an underside that is mostly white.

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

M57 - MOSTLY WHITE

Belly view of manta ray M57 swimming to the left
Manta M57
Photo credit: Mary Donato Currie

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M63 - MOSTLY WHITE

Belly view of manta ray M63. A remora is attached across the gill slits beneath the cephalic lobe on the left.
Manta M63
8/12/2009
East Flower Garden Bank, Buoy #5
Photo Credit: G.P. Schmahl

8/11/2009
East Flower Garden Bank, Buoy #1
Neal Baltz

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M66 - MOSTLY WHITE

Belly view of manta ray M66 swimming from left to right.  A remora is attached across gills below cephalic lobe on left.
Manta M66
7/29/2009
Stetson Bank, Buoy #4
Photo Credit: Neal Baltz

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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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