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Though this manta is just hovering in the water column, you can see the streamlined positio of the cephalic fins and minimal surface presentation. Many fish are “cleaners”. That is they litteraly clean the mantas skin. This is one reason mantas flock to the underwater pinnacles where they know fish who will clean them are ready to go. The Clarion Angel fish (signature fish of these islands besides the mantas), is one of the most active cleaning fish. You see a “jack” above this manta. They do not seem to clean, but rather use the manta as a hiding place or perhaps slip stream in their wake to move easily around.
Isla San Benedicto – Revillagigedos Archipelago, Mexico
February 2, 2009