Even so, it is capable of impressive jumps of up to three meters above the surface of the sea. And it is not the only one. Other species of these cartilaginous fish do as well. Some experts believe that this is how they get rid of parasites; others, that it serves to flee from possible predators or scare their prey. The hopping could also be part of a mating ritual or simply given for sheer pleasure . What is known is the mechanism they use.
Manta rays, for example, have powerful pectoral fins arranged in the shape of wings that allow them to swim at high speed. To avoid friction, they fold the cephalic fins, located on both sides of the mouth, with which they attract food. In this way, they are propelled from a few meters deep to reach the surface. Once out of the water, they continue to move their limbs while in the air, thus prolonging their flight time.
According to the sightings, they offer three basic versions of this spectacle: although they always execute the jumps forwards, they can end them landing on their head, tail or doing a somersault.
