{"id":42296,"date":"2025-08-13T08:39:47","date_gmt":"2025-08-13T12:39:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/oceana.org\/?p=42296"},"modified":"2025-10-16T10:56:47","modified_gmt":"2025-10-16T14:56:47","slug":"a-new-manta-in-the-atlantic-meet-mobula-yarae","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/oceana.org\/blog\/a-new-manta-in-the-atlantic-meet-mobula-yarae\/","title":{"rendered":"A New Manta in the Atlantic: Meet Mobula yarae\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The ocean holds many secrets \u2014 and sometimes it takes decades to uncover them. Marine scientists have now officially recognized a new manta ray species<\/a>, Mobula yarae<\/em>, found only in Atlantic waters. It is now the third recognized species of manta ray. Researchers had suspected it existed for over 15 years, and now, after years of intensive study, it has finally been confirmed.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A GROUNDBREAKING DISCOVERY<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Back in 2009, Marine Megafauna Foundation<\/a> co-founder Dr. Andrea Marshall predicted that a third manta ray species might exist based on years of research looking into the subtle differences between manta species. So when she spotted an unusual individual off Mexico that didn\u2019t look like either of the known species \u2014\u00a0reef manta or oceanic manta<\/a> \u2014\u00a0she knew this discovery could be something major. When a naturally deceased ray washed up in Florida in 2017, it provided the rare opportunity to take genetic samples and detailed measurements and complete the formal description of Mobula yarae<\/em>\u00a0as a distinct species. In July 2025, the research was finally published confirming the new species, which lives in tropical and subtropical waters from the eastern United States to Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Florida
Florida Manta Project founder, Jessica Pate, dives to get an identification photo of the manta\u2019s unique belly spot pattern. Photo credit: Bryant Turffs.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

NEW MANTA HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The newly discovered Atlantic manta ray closely resembles other known manta species, which helps explain how it went unnoticed for so long. It shares the fin shape and black dorsal coloration of the\u00a0oceanic manta, along with the lighter face and belly spot patterns typically seen in reef mantas. But one feature sets it apart: distinctive V-shaped shoulder patches unique to this species. Recognizing this unusual mix of traits was the key to identifying it as something entirely new. Scientists believe this manta likely diverged from the oceanic manta relatively recently \u2014 offering valuable insight into how marine species diversify and what drives ocean biodiversity. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

FROM RECOGNITION TO PROTECTION<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Identifying new species is more than an exciting academic achievement \u2014 it\u2019s vital for conservation. Mobula yarae<\/em> inhabits coastal and open-water habitats from the eastern U.S. to Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea. Understanding its range, behavior, and threats is key to designing effective conservation measures. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Like other mantas, this species is vulnerable to threats like being accidentally caught in fishing gear, boat strikes, entanglement, and pollution. And because it looks so much like other mantas, it\u2019s often been overlooked. Now that it\u2019s officially named, scientists can finally focus on protecting it.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Manta
Manta rays in Florida are often seen with injuries from boat strikes. Here you can see two boats pass closely to a manta at the surface. Photo credit: Bryant Turffs <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Oceana campaigns<\/a> to address many of the threats that manta rays face and to protect marine life around the world.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Marine Megafauna Foundation will also continue studying M. yarae <\/em>populations throughout much of their range, working with international partners to better understand the species, and collaborate with range countries to develop appropriate conservation measures for the newly recognized Atlantic manta ray species.\u00a0\u00a0You can read their full press release here<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The ocean holds many secrets \u2014 and sometimes it takes decades to uncover them. Marine scientists have now officially recognized a new manta ray species, Mobula yarae, found only in Atlantic waters. It is now the third recognized species of manta ray. Researchers had suspected it existed for over 15 years, and now, after years … Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":571,"featured_media":42297,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":true,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"location":[],"expedition":[],"campaign":[],"ppma_author":[387],"class_list":["post-42296","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","infinite-scroll-item"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nA New Manta in the Atlantic: Meet Mobula yarae\u00a0 | Oceana<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Marine scientists have now officially recognized a new manta ray species in the Atlantic! 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