In this video, a large group of rays performing acrobatic leaps as they breach the ocean surface. Are these mysterious rays trying to fly? Scientists are unsure as to exactly why they breach the surface like this…
These flying rays, sometimes known as mobula or devil rays, are very mysterious.
Closely related to sharks but with long, flat bodies and wing-like pectoral fins, they are ideally suited to swooping through the water yet seem equally at home in the air, so much so that they have earned the name “flying rays”.
These rays leap spectacularly from the sea when they gather in large groups, with some of the most spectacular jumps reaching over 6.5 feet above the surface.
Marine Biologists cannot reach a consensus as to why they breach, but a variety of answers have been put forward.
One possible explanation is to avoid being eaten by predators, such as hammerhead and bull sharks. A second and more likely explanation for this behavior is social. The jumping may play a role in courtship and assertion of dominance, or simply communication among the larger group.
A third plausible explanation is that breaching the surface could help clean the rays of parasitic suckers on their skin… But still, no final answer suffices.
So whats really going on? Could something truly amazing be going on… Could they be evolving, and trying to learn to fly? Do they think they can fly? Manta Rays and Eagle Rays are some of the most majestic creatures on the planet, and if they want to fly, let ’em!
Or are they just having fun? Let us know what you think.
One Imgur user gave their thoughts in this post:
