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A ballet of giant manta rays

 
Translated summary
 
Researchers from Santos, São Paulo, have uncovered a fascinating phenomenon involving giant manta rays in the waters of Fernando de Noronha, an archipelago in Brazil. The discovery was initiated when divers observed manta rays being attracted by the light from a reflector at the Port of Santo Antonio. The unique occurrence led to the identification of an aggregation of juvenile rays of the Mobula birostris species, the largest in the world. The research, involving professionals such as Doug Monteiro, Silvio Silva, and Fernando Rodrigues, aims to understand the behavior of these vulnerable species, which are susceptible to extinction.
 
The light from the port's reflector, displaced by the wind, unintentionally created a regular and fertile feeding area for the rays. Similar phenomena have been observed in Hawaii, where marine life was influenced by hotel lights. This unexpected concentration of juvenile rays in Fernando de Noronha is a rarity globally and could potentially signify the world's first confirmed nursery area for these marine giants.
 
The researchers, including Guilherme Kodja, who leads the Mobulas do Brasil project, collaborated with the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio). The ICMBio imposed restrictions to ensure the safety of the animals, emphasizing the importance of obtaining formal authorization before entering the water. The team, also involving biologist Marcelo Rodrigues dos Anjos from the Federal University of Amazonas, plans to collect genetic materials to identify the group's distribution and explore whether it aligns with populations near the Caribbean. The outcome of this study will likely contribute to the formulation of regulations for the protection of this unique marine habitat and its inhabitants.