Bonheur dans la Nature : homme appréciant la nature plongée avec et photographier une disparition espèces pélagiques océaniques raie Manta (Manta birostris). L’emplacement est l’archipel Hin Muang, Krabi, mer d’Andaman, Thaïlande. - Photos

This stunning Manta Ray (Manta birostris) image was captured whilst scuba diving in the Andaman Sea, Krabi, Thailand. A rare opportunity to see these magnificent creatures. Oceanic Manta Rays are in the classification of Elasmobranch and are also commonly known as Giant Manta Ray, Oceanic Manta Ray, Pacific Manta Ray, Pelagic Manta Ray or Chevron Manta Ray. They are gentle, pelagic, plankton feeders and have been classified as 'Vulnerable to Extinction' IUCN red list, due to being target hunted for their meat and gill rakers. However also susceptible to being caught as by catch. Although their numbers are declining at a rapid rate, they are not yet a protected species. This image shows their natural behavior in the wild, as they visit the coral reef to use as a cleaning station, by allowing small fish to clean off their parasites. This is a perfect demonstration of a symbiotic relationship. One unrecognisable, incidental scuba diver can be seen enjoying the wonders of Nature.