Scientists Discover New Manta Ray Species: Mobula yarae
When scientists announce a new species, it’s often a tiny frog, an obscure insect, or a deep-sea creature most people will never see. But Earth still holds surprises — and one of the biggest in recent years is the discovery of a new manta ray species, only the third known manta species in the world.
Meet the Atlantic Manta: Mobula yarae
This newly identified species, named Mobula yarae after a mythical mermaid-like figure in Brazilian folklore, can reach an impressive 16–20 feet in length. That makes it as large as the giant oceanic manta (Mobula birostris), though so far researchers have only observed juveniles in the wild.
The discovery was made official by Dr. Andrea Marshall, a leading manta ray researcher and co-founder of the Marine Megafauna Foundation. Dr. Marshall previously made history in 2009 by distinguishing between the giant oceanic manta and the reef manta (Mobula alfredi), which were once thought to be the same species.
At the time, she even predicted a third species might exist — and more than a decade later, she was proven right.
How Mobula yarae Was Identified
- Between 2010 and 2017, Dr. Marshall studied thousands of photographs, sketching manta rays by hand to detect subtle differences.
- A turning point came when a dead manta washed ashore, allowing scientists to perform genetic testing.
- DNA confirmed what Dr. Marshall suspected: this was indeed a distinct species.
In their research, published in Environmental Biology of Fishes, Dr. Marshall and her team documented the physical differences that set the Atlantic manta apart:
- Grey wing tips that are more defined than other mantas.
- A bold V-shaped marking across the shoulders.
- Unique underbelly spot patterns, critical for identification.
Evolution in Action
The discovery of M. yarae is more than just adding a new name to the species list — it’s a rare glimpse into evolution in motion. Genetic evidence suggests that this species diverged from the giant oceanic manta relatively recently, making it one of the most recently evolved lineages among rays and sharks.
Study co-author Jessica Pate explained:
“This species has very recently evolved from the giant manta—it’s rare to see a new species like this, and even rarer to watch the process behind it.”
Why This Discovery Matters
- Biodiversity insight: Provides valuable information on how large marine animals adapt and evolve.
- Conservation importance: Understanding unique species helps inform protection strategies in oceans facing climate change and overfishing.
- Scientific inspiration: Shows that even in the 21st century, major species discoveries are still possible.
Dr. Marshall reflected on the significance:
“Kids often ask me if there’s really anything left to discover. I always laugh and say yes, because I’m living proof that there is. We’ve barely scratched the surface.”