Stingrays going on the offensive?

[Shazam]

Originally Posted by Barnes

WDF is a chordate?

I had a GI Joe when I was a kid who was part of C.O.B.R.A. underwater SCUBA division and he came with a sting ray. Just so you know. I saw this coming.

Google is your friend:

http://www.google.com/search?ie=UTF-...F-8&q=chordate

[troutman]

Originally Posted by Jake

They 'flicker' their wings on the surface, but I've never seen one completely exit the water (and I've seen lots... see the picture thread). Especially the 1foot+ it would require to enter a boat. Their shape makes it almost impossable.

I'll ask my prof next semester when we move on to the chordates

I really have seen Manta Rays leap out of the water at Pto. Vallarta. Others have too. Amazing, but true:

http://www.flamingo-travel.com/Tropi...estinationID=5

http://www.pvmirror.com/nature/jewel...coast-ing.html

The most fascinating Giant Manta Rays with their Remoras can be seen leaping and splashing around and schools of widely loved Dolphins may just decide to surf the waves at the bow of your tour boat.

http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpag...gewanted=print

Giant Pacific manta rays were leaping into the air, flying clear of the water - in glee or agitation or, as some scientists insist, to rid themselves of parasites - and then slamming their tons of weight down on the surface of the sea.

http://www.elasmo-research.org/educa..._manta_faq.htm

Why do Manta Rays sometimes jump out of the water?
Mantas may leap completely out of the water for a variety of reasons. They may do it to escape a potential predator or to rid themselves of skin parasites. Or they may leap to communicate to others of their own species -- the great, crashing splash of their re-entries can often be heard from miles (kilometres) away. It's anyone's guess what they may be trying to communicate. Leaping male Mantas may be demonstrating their fitness as part of a courtship display. Since these leaps are highly energetic and often repeated several times in succession, they may simply represent a form of play.

[Mr.Coffee]

Originally Posted by troutman

Giant Pacific manta rays were leaping into the air, flying clear of the water - in glee or agitation or, as some scientists insist, to rid themselves of parasites - and then slamming their tons of weight down on the surface of the sea..

In glee? Like a party or something? What?

Alright so to sum up here's what happened:

-Old man on boat.

-Stingray jumping out of water in glee. WEEE!!!!

-Stingray lands on boat. Views old man as enemy.

-Stingray viciously barbs old man.

[Rhettzky]

Originally Posted by Mr.Coffee

In glee? Like a party or something? What?

Alright so to sum up here's what happened:

-Old man on boat.

-Stingray jumping out of water in glee. WEEE!!!!

-Stingray lands on boat. Views old man as enemy.

-Stingray viciously barbs old man.

It could have also been trying to court the old man before penetration occured.

Leaping male Mantas may be demonstrating their fitness as part of a courtship display.

[Jake]

Well I learned something today. That is the last animal I'd expect be able to jump out of the water.... with the exception of a sponge or jellyfish.

I found this in the last link:

The largest reported in the scientific literature measured 22 feet (6.7 metres) across and there is one report of an individual 30 feet (9.1 metres) across.

Thats huge. The biggest thing I've been in the water with isn't even half that size (refering to the supposed 30 foot ray).

[Knut]

Originally Posted by Jake

Well I learned something today. That is the last animal I'd expect be able to jump out of the water.... with the exception of a sponge or jellyfish.

I found this in the last link:


Thats huge. The biggest thing I've been in the water with isn't even half that size (refering to the supposed 30 foot ray).

The Ocean is scary..... lots of big things that can eat you adn crush you, and kill you... I will take my praries any day of the week.

[FurnaceFace]

Ah and on Sunday I'm heading to Australia and will be diving the Great Barrier Reef. I'll make sure to flip off all the stringray's I see...so if you don't hear from me by nov 15th ish, you'll know why...