An unusual marine visitor recently made waves off Long Island after an oceanic manta ray was spotted feeding near Jones Beach State Park. Video footage captured the enormous creature swimming close to shore, offering beachgoers a rare glimpse of a species not commonly seen in New York waters.
According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), oceanic manta rays typically inhabit tropical and subtropical waters. However, the agency said the animals can occasionally be seen in New York during the warmer summer months.
Manta rays are filter feeders, using their large mouths to consume vast quantities of zooplankton as they move through the water. The DEC also noted that these impressive animals can dive into deeper waters while searching for medium-sized fish.
The sighting near Jones Beach highlights the surprising variety of marine life that can appear along New York’s coastline, especially during the summer.
