Rare close-up underwater encounter with Endangered Species Oceanic Manta Ray (Manta birostris)
{"Image ImageDescription": "This rare close up encounter with an endangered Manta Ray (Manta birostris), was captured whilst scuba diving in the Andaman Sea, Krabi, Thailand.  Oceanic Manta Rays are in the classification of Elasmobranch and are also commonly known as Giant Manta Ray, Oceanic Manta Ray, Pacific Manta Ray, Pelagic Manta Ray or Chevron Manta Ray.  They are gentle, pelagic, plankton feeders and have been classified as 'Vulnerable to Extinction' IUCN red list, due to being target hunted for their meat and gill rakers.  However also susceptible to being caught as by catch.  Although their numbers are declining at a rapid rate, they are not yet a protected species.  This footage shows their natural behaviour in the wild, as they visit the coral reef to use as a cleaning station, by allowing small fish to clean off their parasites. This is a perfect demonstration of a symbiotic relationship."}