They are a kind of large rays that can attract tourists.
They are groups of pelagic cartilaginous fish that abound in the waters of the archipelago of Azores and has enormous potential for ecotourism, since this maritime exclusive zone is one of the few areas of the world where they can be seen. The manta, unlike the rays, has not in the end of its tail a long thorn, can reach eight feet in breadth and two tons of weight. Also contrasting with some legends, this marine specimen does not bite, does not attack, because it has no teeth. It feeds exclusively on plankton and small fish. They are harmless and even docile, for all these reasons do not constitute any risk to humans been.
According to a study conducted by researchers at the ocean department of the University of the Azores, through the placement of satellite telemetry devices on the back of these animals, the mantas are a very vulnerable species due to its long life and low rates of growth and fertilization. As a rule, have a litter for each female, and in exceptional situations, may have two more and these features place the manta rays at a very high level of vulnerability. For these reasons deserve conservation measures not only at national level, since that these fish are not limited to the Azorean waters.
According to data collected by the probe, which allowed to recognize the best dive profiles, travel speeds, temperatures and luminosity of the water passed by, the manta only remain sometimes in the Azores. These cartilaginous fish stay in this exclusive maritime zone only during summer, and after ended this period, flock to the warmer waters of the archipelago of Cape Verde.
http://www.uac.pt/noticia/jamantas_podem_ter_potencial_para_o_ecoturismo
