Footage shows a manta mating chain made up of two males and two females \u2013 usually these chains are led by one female with several males. Credit: Keelan Priscott<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n <\/p>\n
Usually, courtship trains like this one are led by one female with several males in hot pursuit. \u201cAs many as thirty males line up head-to-tail behind the female as she swims at great speeds, twisting and turning around the reef, even leaping from the water,\u201d writes\u00a0Manta Trust\u00a0on its website.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese courtship trains are amazing to watch as the procession of rays snake through the water, often rushing past like a freight train within inches of divers\u2019 heads as the female tries to shake loose the less persistent of her pursuers.\u201d<\/p>\n
Having two females in the group is rather odd. Priscott wasn\u2019t sure why this might have happened. \u201cAll I can say is it\u2019s super cool!\u201d he says.<\/p>\n
With the help of\u00a0Project Manta\u00a0\u2013 a research project from the University of the Sunshine Coast that manages a database of manta rays from citizen science sightings \u2013 the four rays were later identified.<\/p>\n
\u201cTheir names are Mark, Carlos, Florence Hilda May and Renata,\u201d Priscott adds in the comments.<\/p>\n
Manta rays have unique markings on their tummies that can be used to tell individuals from each other. \u201cIf you get a belly shot of a manta, make sure to send it in,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n
This article<\/a> by Melissa Hobson was first published by Discover Wildlife on 29 July 2026. Lead\u00a0Image and video credit: filmed by wildlife photographer Keelan Priscott (@keelanp_photography) at Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort.<\/em><\/p>\nWhat You Can Do<\/h2>\n
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