Even among all the remarkable and fascinating rays of the world, manta and devil ray are special. Evolutionarily freed from bottom-dwelling status, their wing-like fins propel them gracefully and seemingly effortlessly through – and in some cases even above for short periods of time – the the open waters of the world’s oceans. Think back to when you last saw one featured in a nature documentary; it likely elicited an audible gasp of wonder and astonishment. (I can only dream of what it must be like to encounter one while diving!)
Now, thanks to the efforts of Guy Stevens, Daniel Fernando, Marc Dando, and Giuseppe Notarbartolo di Sciara, Princeton University Press has published the extensively illustrated Guide to the Manta and Devil Rays of the World. Filled with detailed information on the identification, characteristics, threats, and distribution for each species in this family, this new guide promises to be a significant reference work for all professionally involved with, as well as anyone simply interested in, research and conservation activities related to these breath-takingly beautiful creatures of the sea.
