#24: Giant Manta Ray Captured Off the New Jersey Coast, 1933
The discovery of a giant manta ray off the coast of New Jersey in 1933 caused a sensation in the world of marine biology. The oceanic manta ray is the largest type of ray in the world, and this specimen was estimated to be more than 18 feet wide – an impressive sight, even for seasoned researchers.
Despite their formidable appearance, manta rays are actually quite docile creatures, feeding primarily on plankton and small fish. They are also known for their intelligence and social behavior, often traveling in groups and exhibiting complex communication patterns.