ORCID
- Joanna Harris: 0000-0001-8684-9096
Abstract
The reef manta ray (Mobula alfredi) is a threatened filter-feeding elasmobranchthat requires immediate management and protection across large parts of itsrange. Despite being well-studied, a detailed understanding of their feedingecology, which shapes their residency, movement patterns, and behaviour,remains underexplored. Both global and site-specific research is required to fillsignificant knowledge gaps essential for designing effective conservationstrategies for this species and their habitats. This study investigated M. alfredifeeding behaviour in relation to plankton biomass dynamics at D’Arros Island inthe Seychelles, the largest known M. alfredi aggregation site in the country and agazetted marine protected area. Plankton samples were collected, along withcorresponding environmental data, during M. alfredi feeding and non-feedingbehaviour. Statistical modelling revealed that surface feeding occurredpredominantly during periods of higher plankton biomass, with a critical preydensity threshold of 26.9 mg/m³, which had a significant relationship with tidalphase. Additionally, there were no significant differences in feeding behaviourand plankton biomass across seasons, which demonstrates the year-round valueof D’Arros Island to this species. These findings provide new insights into thefeeding ecology of M. alfredi in the Seychelles and support future conservationand management initiatives for this threatened species.
DOI Link
Publication Date
2026-01-20
Publication Title
Frontiers in Marine Science
Volume
12
Acceptance Date
2025-12-15
Deposit Date
2026-01-22
Funding
The authors gratefully acknowledge the founder of the Save Our Seas Foundation for their generous support which made this work possible. The authors also extend their gratitude to interns and students of the Save Our Seas Foundation - D’Arros Research Centre that contributed in any way to the completion of this study. Dillys Pouponeau was additionally affiliated with the Jersey International Centre of Advanced Studies (JICAS) and acknowledges Dr. Sean Dettman for his support and guidance.
Additional Links
Keywords
conservation, elasmobranch, filter feeder, foraging ecology, marine protected area, planktivores, threatened species, zooplankton
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Pouponeau, D., Harris, J., Grimmel, H., Moulinié, E., & Bullock, R. (2026) 'Manta Munchies: Plankton dynamics and feeding behaviour of reef manta rays (Mobula alfredi) around D'Arros Island in the Seychelles', Frontiers in Marine Science, 12. Available at: 10.3389/fmars.2025.1645268
