Hundreds of Manta Rays Leap into the Air

Are these mysterious rays trying to fly? Here we see a large group of rays performing acrobatic leaps as they breach the ocean surface. These flying rays, sometimes known as mobula or devil rays, are very mysterious. They are known for their characteristic breaching, often performing spectacular jumps in large numbers. Marine Biologists cannot reach a consensus as to why they breach, but a a variety of answers have been put forward. One possible explanation is to avoid being eaten by predators, such as hammerhead and bull sharks. A second and more likely explanation for this behavior is social. The jumping may play a role in courtship and assertion of dominance, or simply communication among the larger group. A third plausible explanation is that breaching the surface could help clean the rays of parasitic suckers on their skin... But still, no final answer suffices. So whats really going on? Could something truly amazing be going on... Could they be evolving, and trying to learn to fly? Do they think they can fly?

Or are they just having fun? Let us know what you think.

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[stylinsebastian]

Manta Ray: Yo, I bet I can leap out the highest.
British Lady: Are they trying to fly?

[roseelder]

Dolphin:gracefully curve and splash in and out of the water Sharks:jump out with power and slam back underwater with prey in their jaws Sting ray: flip flop splish splash

[justaveryangryman]

Dolphins breach with vivacity
Whales breach with grace
Sharks breach with power
meanwhile, Manta Rays breach like theyre just here for a fun time

[areyoubeewhy]

There goes Billy. Following his dreams.

[atomicmrpelly]

"Could they be evolving, and trying to learn to fly?" I'm dying.

[oranjizer]

When i heard "or are they evolving to fly" my god, when the rays start flying i can tell children that i was there when it started the evolution oh wait

[Winae]

Looks like they are trying to belly flop as loud as possible.

[bigtom]

Obviously they're just pissed at the water and are trying to beat the shit out of it

[neriwest]

When they dive, that's when they are so majestic. But this shows us even the majestic can have a fun side. Love this.

[austinfisher]

A variety of answers for why they breach

*AND NONE OF THEM ARE THE FACT THAT THEY COULD JUST BE HAVING FUN*

[yanncatt]

"There goes Billy fulfilling his dreams"

[audradixon]

0:07 it’s like when dogs are in really tall grassy fields.

[tontolado]

“What are they doing?”
“They’re starting to believe…”

[anna-ceciliawilliams]

What if they're just doing it for fun?

[MiraNecole]

this makes a nice change from seeing dolphins show off like this
and tbf watching them flap as they jump makes it much cuter to watch imo

[brotherkhrayn]

“Hammerheads and Bull sharks.”
*shows a great white*

[billythemillipede]

Pokemon may have influenced those manta rays too much lol

[martyhogan]

They breach to remove parasites from their bodies to avoid infections, as in 'cleaning stations' where small fish eat the parasites - symbiosis.

[petebang]

Your complicated explanations as usual to capture viewers...

Maybe the mantas just want to have fun ;)

[zmaness]

1:04 I always made that joke about whales lol