help with photo at mainit point

[jigo]

hi guys. am hoping for help to get a positive ID on this. keep hoping its a school of mantas but really beginning to seem more like devil rays.

raw pic. sorry pns only and poor viz:

pic darkened with PS:

rest of the pics are here:
http://jamesloyola.multiply.com/photos

 

[jonix]

cool! when did you shoot them?

@mikey: we need your expertise here

 

[jigo]

that was taken last sunday around 11:45am at 90ft near the turn where the cudas hang out.

 

[alcina]

we call them mo'blos here

 

[jigo]

genus mobula? that makes is a devil ray and not a manta?

 

[alcina]

Mantas have been called Devil Rays and Devil Ray has been used for other species. No, they are not manta rays...these are a different species. Very very cool themselves, though, so I wouldn't feel in the least disappointed! I'd be over the moon actually

 

[jigo]

thanks. they're not common here and it was a really great feeling to see them appearing out of the gloom behind a school of cudas. surreal.

 

[jonix]

i just viewed some of mike v's manta shots, different from what you have jigo. great find nonetheless.

 

[jigo]

thanks jonix and alcina. actually there were two schools. second was at around 110ft. didnt get a shot though. we were caught by a downcurrent and missed the turn.

 

[Mike Veitch]

yep, japanese devil rays (mobulas) if you ask me...

smaller and very green backs, pointed cephalic fins. And of course they hang out in schools like you illustrate.

i have only ever seen a school like that once, where as i have 1000s of manta pics... if i were you i would be DAMN happy to have those pics you have!!!!

well done and a very excitng find..

(next time turn off your flash...)