The Devil In The Deep Blue Sea

April 17, 2007

Release from: Kier Shorey
ABC (Australia)

Some of the largest marine creatures on the planet call the Great Barrier Reef home, be it dropping by for a visit like Humpback Whales, or living here year-round like Manta Rays - the largest of all the rays, up to an amazing six metres in width.

Rob Beaman from James Cook University has had the privilege of diving with these mysterious, gentle creatures.

"The Mantas belong to a group of animals called the devilrays, named for the prominent lobes that project forward on each side of the head," Doctor Beaman said. "Unlike their barbed cousins, the devilrays are harmless and spend their days cruising the reef with mouths wide open, filtering the vast amounts of tiny plankton drifting in the water

"They resemble ancient flying dinosaurs, cruising by with synchronised wing beats. With their gentle nature, graceful movements and frequent contact with divers, they are a favourite with anyone lucky enough to see them on the reef."

Dr Beaman was extremely lucky during a recent visit to Opal Reef, when he was treated to the sight of a large school of Bentfin Devilrays gliding in formation along the reef front.

"The Bentfins are smaller devilrays up to two metres across their wingtips, with a small white-tipped dorsal fin and a short tail with no barb," he said. "They're related to the Manta rays, and like the Mantas, they're harmless filter feeders with distinct lobes extending from either side of their head."

A very excited Dr Rob Beaman sent underwater photos to shark and ray researchers at CSIRO, who confirmed that the animals were Bentfin Devilrays, and had never been formally recorded in Australian waters before.

"There is one known capture off Mackay from years ago, but they mostly live in the open tropical seas of Southeast Asia, Mexico and parts of Africa," said Rob. "Why they were here on the Great Barrier Reef is a mystery, but the Bentfins were clearly feeding on the abundant plankton drifting along the edge of the reef. Such glimpses of rare oceanic life highlight the special natural events that occur year-round on the Great Barrier Reef."