New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research abstracts

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Short communication 

Sightings of mobulid rays from northern New Zealand, with confirmation of the occurrence of Manta birostris in New Zealand waters

C. A. J. Duffy

Department of Conservation
P.O. Box 112
Hamilton, New Zealand
email: cduffy@doc.govt.nz

D. Abbott

Dive Tutukaka
Marina Road
Tutukaka, New Zealand

Abstract  Data from 31 sightings of mobulid rays from New Zealand are summarised. Mobulid rays are common to locally abundant off north-east North Island, New Zealand during summer and early autumn. Collection records and sightings data indicate the spine-tailed devil ray (Mobula japanica) is the most abundant mobulid in New Zealand waters. Photographic and video evidence confirming the occurrence of the manta ray (Manta birostris) in New Zealand waters is presented. Estimated disc widths for New Zealand M. birostris ranged from 200 to 790 cm. Unlike in tropical regions, mobulid rays are largely confined to the epipelagic zone off New Zealand.

Keywords  Mobulinae; manta ray; Manta birostris; devil ray; Mobula japanica; New Zealand

M03034 Received 3 July 2003; accepted 25 August 2003; Online publication date 31 October 2003
New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2003, Vol. 37: 715-721
0028-8330/03/3704-0715 $7.00 © The Royal Society of New Zealand 2003

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