Page 92 - NORTHERN GUANACASTE TOURIST GUIDE

92
Natural Spectacles
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Devil rays Mobula sp.
“Flying” under the waters
Devil rays are cartilaginous fish (like sharks) that belong to the Mobulidae family, which also includes giant manta rays (Manta birostris). The most noteworthy characteristic of this family is the presence of modified cephalic fins in the form of “horns”. Devil rays can reach an astounding width of 5 meters, second only to manta rays in size. They live in highly fragmented populations that are widely distributed in the tropical and temperate waters of the world.
Manta and devil rays (genus Mobula) are pelagic rays. This means that, unlike most other ray species, they are always swimming in the water column rather than resting on the seafloor.
Their presence is seasonal in the bays of northern Guanacaste, especially in Santa Elena Bay and the Gulf of Papagayo. It is possible that this is related to their feeding and the presence of productive waters (where plankton is abundant) due to the winds and the influence of the Costa Rican Dome. This natural phenomenon occurs in the northern Pacific off of Costa Rica, during the dry season (December to April).
Manta rays are acrobats too
These winged fish are capable of throwing themselves more than two meters out of the water and can sometimes hover in the air for several seconds before splashing back down. They are a major draw for diving and ecotourism worldwide since, in addition to being harmless, the large ones are usually docile and curious.
Some biologists believe that they do this to get rid of the remoras that tend to stick to their backs.
Another hypothesis is that the sound derived from hitting the water as they fall serves as a means of
Golfo de Santa Elena
Golfo de Papagayo
Peñas Blancas La Cruz