Guide to the Manta & Devil Rays of the World

About this book

Manta and devil rays are some of the most charismatic creatures in the ocean, and yet, until now there has never been a guide to these fascinating animals. Born into a life of perpetual motion, these rays must keep swimming to survive. Driven forwards by powerful beats of their wing-like pectoral fins, these filter feeding rays search the ocean currents for prey, their horn-like cephalic (head) fins giving rise to ancient mariners' tales of fearsome devilfish dragging boats into the ocean depths.

This comprehensive 144 page field guide includes detailed information on the identification, characteristics, threats and distribution for each of the species within this family of rays. Illustrated with over 200 beautiful colour photos, drawings and plates, Guide to Manta & Devil Rays of the World also contains an expansive introduction packed full of useful information on the general taxonomy, biology and behaviour of these iconic animals.

The guide's light-weight, easy-to-use, attractive qualities make it an invaluable field companion for any scientist, diver or marine enthusiast who has an interest in these fascinating creatures. It is an essential resource for fisheries management, international trade enforcement, and for anyone wanting to become involved in the ongoing efforts to research and conserve this threatened family of rays.

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Biography

Guy Stevens is the Chief Executive and Founder of the Manta Trust, a UK and US registered charity dedicated to the conservation of manta rays, with collaborative projects in over 20 countries. He has spent the last decade studying manta and mobulid rays all over the world and is one of the foremost experts.

Daniel Fernando is an Associate Director of the Manta Trust, and Co-Founder of Blue Resources Trust – a Sri Lankan NGO dedicated to promoting informed, science-based decision making to facilitate the conservation and sustainable use of marine resources, and to provide a platform for scientists to expand research in the Indian Ocean.

Giuseppe Notarbartolo di Sciara is an Italian marine conservation ecologist who has worked for 40 years to advance knowledge of the natural history, ecology, behaviour and taxonomy of marine mammals and cartilaginous fishes.