Why do mobula rays jump out of the water? Do you know?

  1. The vibrations from the engine tickles them
  2. Showing off for a potential mate
  3. Get rid of parasites
  4. Communicate with the other rays

Mobula rays enjoy the warm, temperate seas around Costa Rica. These photos were taken in Drake Bay in May. Their appearance is similar to that of the manta rays, which are a part of the same family.

They feast on plankton, which is their major food source. Mobula rays are not dangerous and rely on fast bursts of speed and their large body size for defense.

They capture the scuba, snorkelers and boaters fascination as they can jump individually, or sometimes in a group of dozens. Onlookers can witness an aerobatic display as they gracefully project themselves out of the water.

The reason why? To answer the opening question: b), c) and d). 

Mobula rays have to stay in perpetual motion to keep the water flowing through their gills to breathe.

The biggest danger to these rays is the new market that has opened. They are heavily sought after for their gill plates used in Asian medicine. They are often slaughtered as bycatch in commercial fishing. 

Organizations like www.mantatrust.org can be researched for more information about conservation efforts.JTNDaWZyYW1lJTIwc3JjJTNEJTIyaHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZ3d3cuamlnc2F3cGxhbmV0LmNvbSUyRiUzRnJjJTNEcGxheSUyNmFtcCUzQnBpZCUzRDA1MWM5MzAxYWIzMiUyNmFtcCUzQnZpZXclM0RpZnJhbWUlMjZhbXAlM0JiZ2NvbG9yJTNEMHgyMzA5ZTElMjIlMjBzdHlsZSUzRCUyMndpZHRoJTNBMTAwJTI1JTNCaGVpZ2h0JTNBNjAwcHglMjIlMjBmcmFtZWJvcmRlciUzRCUyMjAlMjIlMjBhbGxvd2Z1bGxzY3JlZW4lM0UlM0MlMkZpZnJhbWUlM0U=Photos by:

Christopher Penker
instagram: wild_horizon_photography

THANK YOU!

The Real Taste of Costa Rica “Chiliguaro”

The Real Taste of Costa Rica “Chiliguaro”

    There’s no question that chiliguaro is Costa Rica’s most famous cocktail. You can find this spicy shot at most bars in the country. Competitions and tastings are held to see who has the best Chiliguaro recipe. Most places create the mix in large quantities with a...

Costa Rica’s Economic Engine: The 10 Industries Driving Growth

Costa Rica’s Economic Engine: The 10 Industries Driving Growth

Costa Rica wears many hats beautifully—adventure playground, cultural crossroads, wildlife sanctuary, foodie haven, real-estate hotspot and a serious place to do business. From Pacific surf towns to San José's tech corridors, the country blends conservation with...