Giant manta ray rescued from fishing net in Arraial do Cabo

A large manta ray was accidentally caught in a fishing net at Praia Grande in Arraial do Cabo, Rio de Janeiro, on Thursday. Local fishermen and beachgoers worked together to free the animal and return it to the ocean.

Marine biologist Larissa Gouvêa Paiva, from the State University of Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), identified the animal as a manta ray of the genus Mobula. These creatures can reach wingspans of up to nine meters and weigh approximately one and a half tons. The species is known for its migratory habits and diet of plankton.

The presence of the ray in the region is attributed to the local oceanographic conditions, specifically upwelling processes that bring nutrient-rich waters to the surface, supporting a diverse marine food chain. The animal appeared to swim away without visible injuries.