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MANTA CATALOG - M76, M77
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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 a images of mantas M76 and M77, which are larger versions of the images from the Spots and Squares preview page. These mantas have both spots and square-like blotches on their undersides.

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

M76 - SPOTS & SQUARES
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Belly view of manta ray M76 swimming toward the camera
Manta M76
7/23/2014
East Flower Garden Bank
Photo credit: G.P. Schmahl

Belly view of manta ray M76 swimming to the left
Manta M76
7/23/2014
East Flower Garden Bank
Photo credit: G.P. Schmahl

Belly view of manta ray M76 swimming away and to the left
Manta M76
8/1/2015
Flower Garden Banks
Photo credit: Michael Parrent

Close up belly view of manta ray M76
Manta M76
8/1/2015
Flower Garden Banks
Photo credit: Michael Parrent

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M77 - SPOTS & SQUAREStwo-toned blue dashed line

Belly view of manta ray M77 swimming away from the camera
Manta M77
8/27/2015
East Flower Garden Bank
Photo credit: Marissa Nuttall

Belly view of manta ray M77 swimming away from the camera
Manta M77
8/27/2015
East Flower Garden Bank
Photo credit: Marissa Nuttall

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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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