A huge manta ray was observed this week in Eilat’s coral bay, a rare sighting off Israel’s shores.
By TPS
Omri Omasi, an inspector with Eilat’s marine unit of the Nature and Parks Authority recently sighted a giant manta way near Eilat.
He said that he has been diving for over 15 years in the area and has never seen such a big manta.
Adi Barash, a doctoral student at the University of Haifa and chairman of the Israel Shark Association, explained that the giant manta species is among the five largest cartilaginous fish.
Giant mantas usually reach a width of 4.5 meters in adulthood, but mantas over 9 meters wide have been documented as well.
Encountering a manta is the dream of every diver who enters the water, but in Eilat such an observation is rare, she explained.
The giant manta has been fished around the world due to the high value of its flesh and fins and is today defined as a “vulnerable” species by the World Conservation Union (IUCN).
HELP ISRAELIS BATTLE CORONA!
Donate to the Corona Emergency Relief Fund. Coronavirus has taken a huge toll on the people of Israel. The poor, elderly and ill are most vulnerable.
Israeli soldiers, security officers and medical care providers operate under great danger and risk to life.
Over 1 million Israelis are out of work. Many cannot make ends meet. We provide financial aid, food, medical supplies and more. Funds are distributed where needed most. The time to act is now!
United with Israel extends a special note of appreciation to the Genesis Prize for their generous support.
Do You Love Israel? Make a Donation - Show Your Support!
Donate to vital charities that help protect Israeli citizens and inspire millions around the world to support Israel too!
Now more than ever, Israel needs your help to fight and win the war -- including on the battlefield of public opinion.
Antisemitism, anti-Israel bias and boycotts are out of control. Israel's enemies are inciting terror and violence against innocent Israelis and Jews around the world. Help us fight back!