MEPS 632:145-158 Supplementary Material
Novel applications of animal-borne Crittercams reveal thermocline feeding in two species of manta ray
MEPS 632:145-158 | Full text in pdf format
Deployment of a Crittercam with a passive suction attachment on an oceanic manta ray at the Revillagigedo Islands, Mexico
Deployment of a Crittercam with an active suction attachment on an oceanic manta ray in Bahia de Banderas, Mexico
Deployment of a Crittercam with a J-hook attachment on a reef manta ray at Raa Atoll, Maldives
Initiation of presumed feeding behavior by an oceanic manta ray (BDB07) in Bahia de Banderas, Mexico. Note the cephalic fin unrolling at 00:10, and the increase in particle density and flow speed from 00:15 onwards as compared to the first ten seconds of the video. Apparent ram-filter feeding behavior continued for over an hour until the camera detached (see Fig. 2a,b)
Feeding behavior by reef manta rays in the Maldives (Crittercam attached to MDV16). Note unrolled cephalic fins, somersault feeding behavior, and open mouths of conspecifics, as well as the high density of black particulates, which are likely copepods
Courtship behavior by reef manta rays in the Maldives (Crittercam attached to MDV09). Note acrobatic behavior similar to somersault feeding strategy displayed in Video S5, but closed mouths and furled or semi-furled cephalic fins