Beautiful Manta Ray gliding close over coral reef

Reef Manta Rays, here in the waters off Nusa Penida, circle while cleaning fish perform their duties. A cleaning station is a specific location where manta rays congregate to receive cleaning services from fish that remove parasites from their bodies, mouths, and gills. Reef Manta Rays, magnificent creatures with a wingspan up to 5 meters, horn-shaped cephalic fins, a large mouth that faces forward, and five pairs of gill slits on their ventral surface.  
 
Indonesia has banned fishing and export of manta rays, making it the world’s largest sanctuary for these creatures.
 
Extinction Risk: Vulnerable
Scientific Name: Mobula alfredi