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Background: The $^{15}$O($\alpha ,\gamma$)$^{19}$Ne bottleneck reaction in Type I x-ray bursts is the most important thermonuclear reaction rate to constrain experimentally, in order to improve the accuracy of burst light-curve simulations. A proposed technique to determine the thermonuclear rate of this reaction employs the $^{20}$Mg($\beta p\alpha$)$^{15}$O decay sequence. The key $^{15}$O($\alpha ,\gamma$)$^{19}$Ne resonance at an excitation of 4.03 MeV is now known to be fed in $^{20}$Mg($\beta p\gamma$)$^{19}$Ne; however, the energies of the protons feeding the 4.03 MeV state are unknown. Knowledge of the proton energies will facilitate future $^{20}$Mg($\beta p \alpha$)$^{15}$O measurements. Purpose: To determine the energy of the proton transition feeding the 4.03 MeV state in $^{19}$Ne. Method: A fast beam of $^{20}$Mg was implanted into a plastic scintillator, which was used to detect $\beta$ particles. 16 high purity germanium detectors were used to detect $\gamma$ rays emitted following $\beta p$ decay. A Monte Carlo method was used to simulate the Doppler broadening of $^{19}$Ne $\gamma$ rays and compare to the experimental data. Results: The center of mass energy between the proton and $^{19}$Ne, feeding the 4.03 MeV state, is measured to be 1.21${^{+0.25}_{-0.22}}$ MeV, corresponding to a $^{20}$Na excitation energy of 7.44${^{+0.25}_{-0.22}}$ MeV. Absolute feeding intensities and $\gamma$-decay branching ratios of $^{19}$Ne states were determined including the 1615 keV state. A new $\gamma$ decay branch from the 1536 keV state in $^{19}$Ne to the ground state is reported. The lifetime of the 1507 keV state in $^{19}$Ne is measured to be 4.3${^{+1.3}_{-1.1}}$ ps resolving discrepancies in the literature. Conflicting $^{20}$Mg($\beta p$) decay schemes in published literature are clarified., Comment: 11 pages, 13 figures

Background: The $^{15}$O($��,��$)$^{19}$Ne bottleneck reaction in Type I x-ray bursts is the most important thermonuclear reaction rate to constrain experimentally, in order to improve the accuracy of burst light-curve simulations. A proposed technique to determine the thermonuclear rate of this reaction employs the $^{20}$Mg($��p��$)$^{15}$O decay sequence. The key $^{15}$O($��,��$)$^{19}$Ne resonance at an excitation of 4.03 MeV is now known to be fed in $^{20}$Mg($��p��$)$^{19}$Ne; however, the energies of the protons feeding the 4.03 MeV state are unknown. Knowledge of the proton energies will facilitate future $^{20}$Mg($��p ��$)$^{15}$O measurements. Purpose: To determine the energy of the proton transition feeding the 4.03 MeV state in $^{19}$Ne. Method: A fast beam of $^{20}$Mg was implanted into a plastic scintillator, which was used to detect $��$ particles. 16 high purity germanium detectors were used to detect $��$ rays emitted following $��p$ decay. A Monte Carlo method was used to simulate the Doppler broadening of $^{19}$Ne $��$ rays and compare to the experimental data. Results: The center of mass energy between the proton and $^{19}$Ne, feeding the 4.03 MeV state, is measured to be 1.21${^{+0.25}_{-0.22}}$ MeV, corresponding to a $^{20}$Na excitation energy of 7.44${^{+0.25}_{-0.22}}$ MeV. Absolute feeding intensities and $��$-decay branching ratios of $^{19}$Ne states were determined including the 1615 keV state. A new $��$ decay branch from the 1536 keV state in $^{19}$Ne to the ground state is reported. The lifetime of the 1507 keV state in $^{19}$Ne is measured to be 4.3${^{+1.3}_{-1.1}}$ ps resolving discrepancies in the literature. Conflicting $^{20}$Mg($��p$) decay schemes in published literature are clarified., 11 pages, 13 figures

Recent advances in tracking technologies and analytical approaches allow for deeper insights into the movement ecology of wide-ranging fishes. The whale shark Rhincodon typus is an endangered, highly migratory species with a wide, albeit patchy, distribution through tropical oceans. Aerial surveys along the southern Mozambican coast, conducted over a 5-year period, documented the highest densities of whale sharks to occur within a ~200 km long stretch of the Inhambane Province, with a pronounced hotspot adjacent to Praia do Tofo. We tagged 15 juvenile whale sharks with SPOT5 satellite tags off Praia do Tofo and tracked them for 1–87 days (mean = 26 days) as they dispersed from this area. Sharks travelled between 10 and 2,737 km (mean = 738 km) at a mean horizontal speed of 29 ± 30.7 SD km day-1. While several individuals left shelf waters and travelled across international boundaries, most sharks stayed in Mozambican coastal waters over the tracking period. We tested for whale shark habitat preferences, using sea surface temperature, chlorophyll-a concentration and water depth as variables, by computing 100 random model tracks for each real shark based on their empirical movement characteristics. Whale sharks spent significantly more time in cooler, shallower water with higher chlorophyll-a concentrations than model sharks, suggesting that feeding in productive coastal waters is an important driver of their movements. Our results show that, while whale sharks are capable of long-distance oceanic movements, they can spend a disproportionate amount of time in specific areas. The increasing use of large-mesh gill nets in this coastal hotspot for whale sharks is a clear threat to regional populations of this iconic species.

Meta data summary of environmental data sources and intervals.

Dive profiles from a 68kg (Intermediate size class) black marlin demonstrating; A) bounce diving behaviour and B) episodic deep-diving behaviour.

Details for setup, release, and metadata from 102 PSATs deployed on black marlin.

Included here is a detailed sample collection protocol for obtaining M. birostris muscle tissue samples from free swimming animals. Additionally, the CN isotope values for individual Manta birostris and surface zooplankton tows are presented, along with mixing model summary statistics for the mean credible interval source contributions of surface zooplankton and mesopelagic sources to M. birostris diet.

Manta alfredi (Krefft, 1868). Selected synonymy. Manta fowleri Whitley, 1936 (see Fowler 1927); Manta pakota Whitley, 1936. Common names. Manta ray, inshore manta ray, Alfred manta, Prince Alfred���s ray. Diagnosis: Disc approximately 2.2���2.4 times as broad as it is long. Maximum disc width size approximately 5500 mm. Slender whip-like tail approximately 123 % of disc length if intact. No distinct caudal spine or cartilaginous mass present at base of tail. Some specimens have small hump at the base of the tail on the dorsal surface, while other specimens have a slight depression and groove on the dorsum of the tail immediately posterior to the posterior margin of the dorsal fin. Small, knob-like dermal denticles evenly distributed on both the dorsal and ventral surfaces, with ventral surface having slightly larger denticles. Dental ligament with small cusped teeth on the lower jaw measuring roughly 22 % of total disc length with approximately 6���8 rows, 142���182 files across entire width of the tooth band. Total tooth counts of 900���1500 for entire tooth band. Top jaw lacks rows of enlarged denticles. Morphometrics. See Table 1 for complete measurements of M. alfredi. See Table 2 for morphometric comparison of M. alfredi to M. birostris. Colouration. Dorsal surface black in colouration (Fig. 9 a). Pale to white coloured shoulder patches, with or without dark spots within them, present on the dorsal supra-branchial region (Fig. 9 a, 10 a���h). Anterior margin of shoulder patch initially emanates posteriorly from spiracle before curving medially, a diagnostic feature of M. alfredi colouration (Fig. 10 a���h). Towards the midline, colouration again begins to radiate out posteriorly continuing down over the supra-branchial region in variably sized shoulder patches (Fig. 10 a���h). Anterior distal side of the shoulder patch may present as an anterior facing hook. Pale colouration may be present along the distal margin of the pectoral fin tips (Fig. 9 a). Pale chevron shaped patch typically stretches anteriorly from the insertion point of the dorsal fin. Ventral surface predominantly cream to white in colouration with variable dark markings (Fig. 9 b). Mouth white to light grey in colouration (Fig. 9 b, 11 a���h). Blue-grey to black spots of variable size can occur across most of the ventral surface (Fig. 9 b, 11 a���h). The most diverse spot patterns typically occur medially to the five pair of gill slits, centrally on the abdomen and across the posterior half of the pectoral fins (Fig. 9 b, 11 a��� h). A small black semi-circular spot is typically located immediately posterior to the fifth gill slit on each side of the body (Fig. 9 b). Pale to dark charcoal-coloured bands are present on the posterior edge of each pectoral fin, typically stretching mid-way down the length of the fins from the pectoral fin tip (Fig. 9 b). A melanistic form of M. alfredi occurs that is entirely black on the dorsal surface and predominately black on the ventral surface except for a variably sized white blaze along the mid-line (Fig. 12 a,b). Manta alfredi ���s distinctive ventral spot patterning is often visible on the abdominal region and between the gill slits (Fig. 12 a,b). A rare white, or leucistic, colour morph also exists in this species, in which the normally very darkly coloured dorsal surface appears almost entirely white (Fig. 12 c,d). The ventral surface may also appear lighter in overall colouration. This leucistic colour morph appears to be rare, with less than twenty observed specimens documented worldwide. Dentition. Tooth band on lower jaw comprising 54.2���77.4 % of total jaw width (Fig. 13 a). Tooth band containing 6���8 rows of small cusped teeth (approximately 1���2 mm in length) and 142���182 files across entire width of the tooth band (Fig. 13 b,c). Total tooth counts range from 918���1456 for entire tooth band. Morphology of individual teeth are variable and may be dimorphic between sexes. General tooth morphology is shown in figure 13 (d). Each tooth has a bulbous root that is embedded in the dental ligament, a freestanding stalk that ends in a curved cusp that forms the occlusal surface and is oriented to face the lingual side of the jaw (Fig. 13 b). Teeth in the tooth band do not overlap (Fig. 17 c). Upper jaw edentate with no enlarged denticle bands present. Denticles. Denticles are small, non-overlapping and uniformly distributed along the dorsal and ventral surfaces (Fig. 14 a,b). Each denticle comprises a stellate base (which is embedded in the skin, Fig. 14 c,d) with a dorso-laterally elongated emergent knob (Fig. 14 c,d). Denticles on the ventral surface are larger than those on the dorsal surface, but all are of similar overall morphology (Fig. 14). Manta alfredi Manta birostris Size. The smallest individuals observed in the wild were approximately 1500 mm DW and a single examined near-term foetus was 1300 mm DW (Marshall et al. 2008). Dissected specimens of M. alfredi measured up to 3420 mm DW but estimates of the largest individuals sighted in southern Mozambique were slightly over 5000 mm DW. Size at maturity may vary slightly throughout its range, but males in southern Mozambique mature at approximately 3000 mm DW (Marshall, 2009), while females in southern Africa mature at approximately 3900 mm DW (Marshall, 2009). Habitat and distribution. Commonly sighted inshore, within a few kilometres of land. Found around coral and rocky reefs as well as along productive coastlines with consistent upwelling, tropical island groups, atolls and bays. This species is widespread in the Indian Ocean, with images and sightings of M. alfredi from the Red Sea in the north to Durban, South Africa in the south, and from mainland Thailand in the north to waters off Perth, Australia in the south. In the eastern and south Pacific, M. alfredi occurs from the Yaeyama islands, Japan in the north to the Solitary Islands, Australia in the south and is sighted as far east as French Polynesia south of the equator and the Hawaiian islands north of the equator. Two reports and photographs of M. alfredi from the north Atlantic off the Canary Islands and the Cape Verde Islands and historical reports and photos of M. alfredi off the coast of Senegal in north west Africa (Cadenat 1958) are the only evidence of populations of M. alfredi in Atlantic waters (Fig. 8). Material examined (n = 11). Juvenile male caught in bather protection nets on 11 April 2006 off Margate beach, Durban, South Africa (2230 mm DW, mass 71 kg). Juvenile female caught in bather protection nets on 17 July 2006 off Karridene beach, Durban, South Africa (2370 mm DW mass, 75 kg). Juvenile female caught in bather protection nets on 28 April 2006 off Sunwich Port beach, Durban, South Africa (2330 mm DW, mass 71 kg). Mature male caught in Mozambique on 15 January 2004 off Paindaine Beach, Inhambane, Mozambique (3420 mm DW). Juvenile male caught in bather protection nets on 14 June 2004 in Umhlanga Beach, Durban, South Africa (2520 mm DW, mass 107 kg). Juvenile female caught in bather protection nets on 21 June 2004 off South Port, Durban, South Africa (2440 mm DW, mass 101 kg). Juvenile male caught in bather protection nets on 10 August 2004 off Durban, South Africa (2320 mm DW, mass 85 kg). Juvenile male caught in bather protection nets on 15 September 2004 in South Broom, Durban, South Africa (2470 mm DW, mass 105 kg). Near-term male foetus caught in Mozambique on 15 October 2004 in Paindane Beach, Durban, South Africa (1328 mm DW, mass 15 kg). Mature male sampled on 20 March 2006 off the coast of Inhambane, Mozambique (skin sample only). Mature female sampled on 15 September 2007 off the coast of Inhambane, Mozambique (skin sample only)., Published as part of Marshall, Andrea D., Compagno, Leonard J. V. & Bennett, Michael B., 2009, Redescription of the genus Manta with resurrection of Manta alfredi (Krefft, 1868) (Chondrichthyes; Myliobatoidei; Mobulidae), pp. 1-28 in Zootaxa 2301 on pages 13-18, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.191734, {"references":["Krefft, G. (1868) Deratoptera alfredi (Prince Alfred's ray). Illustrated Sydney News (11 July), 5 (50), 1 - 16.","Whitley, G. P. (1936) The Australian devilray, Daemomanta alfredi (Krefft), with remarks on the superfamily Mobuloidea (order Batoidei). Australian Zoologist, 8 (3), 164 - 188.","Marshall, A. D., Pierce, S. J. & Bennett, M. B. (2008) Morphological measurements of manta rays (Manta birostris) with a description of a foetus from the east coast of Southern Africa. Zootaxa, 1717, 24 - 30.","Cadenat, J. (1958) Les diables de mer. Notes Africaines 80, 116 - 120."]}

Character key for Manta (Fig. 15) (1) Pale to white-coloured shoulder patches present on dorsal supra-branchial region on each side of a dark midline Shoulder patches are very distinct and approximately triangular in shape with a posterior facing hook on the anterior distal side. Anterior edge of shoulder patches runs medially from spiracle in an approximately straight line parallel to the edge of the upper jaw..................................................................................................................... Manta birostris Anterior margin of shoulder patch initially emanating posteriorly from spiracle before curving medially. Towards the midline, colouration again begins to radiate out posteriorly continuing down over the supra-branchial region in variably sized and shaped shoulder patches. Anterior distal side of the shoulder patch may present as an anterior facing hook......................................................................................................................................................... Manta alfredi (2) Ventral colouration and natural markings Distinctive dark spots located on the ventral surface of disc over abdominal region, with no spots present medially between the five adjacent gill slits. Prominent semi-circular spot extends posteriorly from both of the most posterior gill slits. Charcoal-coloured margin typically present on posterior edges of pectoral fins that extend the entire length of each pectoral fin................................................................................................................................ Manta birostris Distinctive dark spots on the ventral surface of disc can be present across the posterior half of the body and medially between the five adjacent gill slits. Small semi-circular spot extends posteriorly from of both of the most posterior gill slits.................................................................................................................................................... Manta alfredi (3) Caudal spine Caudal spine mostly encased in a calcified mass present on the dorsum of the tail immediately posterior to the dorsal fin............................................................................................................................................................. Manta birostris No distinct, removable caudal spine or calcified mass present on tail........................................................... Manta alfredi (4) Skin and dermal denticles Skin, which forms distinct, sagittally oriented, ridges and furrows along the entire length of the dorsal and ventral surfaces, is densely embedded with overlapping, multicuspid denticles................................................... Manta birostris Skin on both dorsal and ventral surfaces embedded with small non-overlapping, evenly spaced denticles with stellate bases and laterally elongated knob-like (lacking cusps) structures projecting from skin....................... Manta alfredi (5) Mouth colouration and dentition Mouth black to charcoal grey in colouration. Dark colouration around mouth often extends posteriorly on the ventral surface from the base of the cephalic fins to the anterior edge of the first gill slits. Dental ligament embedded with small cusped teeth on the lower jaw measuring roughly 25 % of total disc length with approximately 12���16 rows, 220���250 files across entire width of the band. Total tooth counts of 3000���4000 for entire tooth band. Upper jaw contains at least two rows of enlarged denticles that span the same width of the upper jaw as the tooth band on the lower jaw.................................................................................................................................................................. Manta birostris Mouth is white to light grey in colouration. Dental ligament with small cusped teeth on the lower jaw measuring roughly 22 % of total disc length with approximately 6���8 rows, 142���182 files across entire width of the tooth band. Total tooth counts of 900���1500 for entire tooth band. Upper jaw lacks rows of enlarged denticles............... Manta alfredi, Published as part of Marshall, Andrea D., Compagno, Leonard J. V. & Bennett, Michael B., 2009, Redescription of the genus Manta with resurrection of Manta alfredi (Krefft, 1868) (Chondrichthyes; Myliobatoidei; Mobulidae), pp. 1-28 in Zootaxa 2301 on pages 20-22, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.191734

Marshall, Andrea D., Compagno, Leonard J. V., Bennett, Michael B. (2009): Redescription of the genus Manta with resurrection of Manta alfredi (Krefft, 1868) (Chondrichthyes; Myliobatoidei; Mobulidae). Zootaxa 2301: 1-28, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.191734

Manta birostris (Walbaum, 1792). Selected synonymy. Brachioptilon hamiltoni Newman, 1849 (see Beebe and Tee-van 1941, as Manta hamiltoni); Ceratoptera ehrenbergii M��ller and Henle, 1841. Common names. Giant manta ray, Pacific manta ray, devilfish, chevron manta, pelagic manta, oceanic manta. Diagnosis. Disc approximately 2.2���2.3 times as broad as it is long. Maximum disc width over 7000 mm. Slender whip-like tail. Reduced caudal spine predominantly encased in a calcified mass present on the dorsum of tail immediately posterior to the dorsal fin. Dermal denticles situated on long, sagittally oriented, raised ridges in the dermis that extend down the length of both the dorsal and ventral surfaces. Dental ligament embedded with small cusped teeth on the lower jaw measuring roughly 25 % of total disc length with approximately 12���16 rows, 220���250 files across entire width of the band. Total tooth counts of 3000���4000 for entire tooth band. Upper jaw contains at least two rows of enlarged denticles that span the same width of the upper jaw as the tooth band on the lower jaw. Morphometrics. See Table 1 for complete measurements of Manta birostris. A total of ten nonoverlapping proportional measurements were identified that could be used to separate Manta birostris from Manta alfredi (highlighted in Table 2). Colouration. Dorsal surface black, with large, conspicuous, white shoulder patches in the supra-branchial region, with or without black spots within them (Fig. 1 a, 2 a���h). Shoulder patches, which occur on either side of a dark midline, are distinct and approximately triangular in shape with hook shaped lateral extensions (Fig. 2 a���h). Anterior edge of shoulder patches runs medially from spiracle in an approximately straight line parallel to the edge of the upper jaw, a diagnostic character of this species (Fig. 2 a���h). Pale to white chevron shaped patch, of variable size, extends anteriorly from the anterior insertion point of the dorsal fin (Fig. 1 a). Small blazes of white colour are also often visible on the dorsal tips of the pectoral fins (Fig. 1 a). Mouth black to charcoal grey in colouration (Fig. 1 b). Dark colouration around mouth often extends posteriorly on the ventral surface from the base of the cephalic fins to the anterior edge of the first gill slits (Fig. 1 b, 3 a���h). Ventral surface largely cream to white with dark grey to black spots and patches most commonly occurring on the abdominal region between gill slit openings and anterior to the opening of the cloaca (Fig. 1 b). Spots do not occur medially between the five gill slits or on the pectoral fins lateral to the body cavity (Fig. 3 a���h). Medium to large black semi-circular spots posterior to the fifth gill slits are present (Fig. 1 b). Posterior third of disc charcoal-coloured forming a V-shaped margin along the posterior edges of the pectoral fins (Fig. 1 b, 3 a���h), a diagnostic feature for M. birostris. A melanistic form occurs that is entirely black on the dorsal surface and predominately black on the ventral surface except for a variably-sized white blaze along the ventral mid-line. Typical spot patterns are often visible along the white portion of the midline, which are centralised on the abdominal region and absent medially between the gill slits (Fig. 4 a,b). A whitish, or leucistic, colour morph has also been documented which exhibits increased white colouration on the dorsal surface, a near white or completely white face and mouth and light ventral colouration, including an interrupted charcoal-coloured pectoral fin margin (Fig. 4 a,b). This leucistic colour form appears to be rare, with less than a dozen observed specimens documented worldwide. All other morphological and meristic characters were the same as other examined individuals of M. birostris. Dentition. Tooth band on lower jaw comprising 64.76���69.65 % of total jaw width (Fig. 5 a). Tooth band containing 12���16 rows of small cusped teeth (approximately 1.5 mm in length) and 220���250 files across entire width of the band (Fig. 5 b). Total tooth counts range from 3000���4000 for entire tooth band. Morphology of individual teeth variable and may be dimorphic between sexes. Each tooth has a bulbous root, which is embedded in the dental ligament and freestanding stalk that ends in a curved cusp that forms the occlusal surface and is oriented to face the lingual side of the jaw (Fig. 5 b-d). Teeth in the tooth band slightly overlap (Fig. 5 c). Tooth band absent in upper jaw but two irregular bands of enlarged denticles extend along the upper jaw for a distance equivalent to the length of the lower tooth band (Marshall 2009). Denticles. Prominent dermal denticles present on both the dorsal and ventral surfaces are randomly distributed along sagittally oriented ridges in the skin (Fig. 6 a,b), a diagnostic feature of M. birostris. Denticles on the dorsal and ventral surfaces are similar in appearance and distribution, with slightly larger denticles on the ventral surface (Fig. 6 a,b). Denticles have pronounced bifid cusps (Fig. 6 c) that give the skin a much rougher texture than that of M. alfredi. The morphology of the most common denticle form on both the dorsal and ventral surfaces is shown in Fig. 6 c,d. Caudal spine. A calcified mass with an embedded spine is located on the dorsum of tail immediately posterior to dorsal fin (Fig. 7 a). The calcified mass rests just under a thin layer of dermis, lacks attachment via collagenous connective tissue to tail and detaches easily if skin is removed (Fig. 7 b). Spine with serrated lateral edges is embedded in a large mass of highly mineralised cartilage, similar to that described for Mobula japonica (Notobartolo-di.Sciara 1987) (Fig. 7 c). Spine appears to have an enameloid exterior and is slender in shape, approximately 3.5 % of the width of the calcified cartilage mass. Tip of spine projects approximately 3 mm out from the surrounding mass (Fig. 7 c). A sagittal plane CT scan clearly shows the spine embedded one third of the way into the calcified mass (Fig. 7 d). Visual examinations in the field suggest that the size of the calcified mass is positively correlated with disc width. The calcified masses extracted from the two rays examined (male 3850 mm DW/ 1785 mm DL and female 3765 mm DW/ 1645 mm DL), were similar in overall shape and were 5.98 % and 6.69 % of the total DL of the rays respectively. Size. Dissected specimens of M. birostris measured up to 4695 mm DW but estimates of the largest individuals sighted in the field (southern Mozambique and Mexico) were slightly over 6000 mm DW. Manta birostris reaches disc widths of at least 7000 mm, with anecdotal reports up to 9100 mm (Compagno 1999). Size at maturity for M. birostris may vary slightly throughout its range, but males in southern Mozambique mature at approximately 4000 mm DW (Marshall 2009). In Indonesia, the only mature male examined was 3850 mm DW. Additional fisheries data from Lombok, Indonesia suggest male M. birostris mature at 3750 mm (White et al. 2006). The only mature females observed or examined (n = 3) in southern Mozambique were in excess of 4695 mm DW. In Indonesia, female M. birostris up to 3800 mm DW were immature. Additional fisheries data from Lombok, Indonesia suggest females mature by approximately 4130 mm DW (White et al. 2006). Habitat and distribution. Manta birostris occurs in tropical, sub-tropical and temperate waters around the globe (Fig. 8). Commonly sighted along productive coastlines with regular upwelling, oceanic island groups and particularly offshore pinnacles and seamounts (Compagno 1999; Rubin 2002). Manta birostris has been documented to occur as far north as southern California and Rhode Island on the United States west and east coasts, Mutsu Bay, Aomori, Japan, the Sinai Peninsula, Egypt and the Azores Islands in the Northern Hemisphere and as far south as Peru, Uruguay, South Africa and New Zealand in the Southern Hemisphere. In some locations, including Mozambique M. birostris is sympatric with M. alfredi (Fig. 8). When they do occur together M. alfredi and M. birostris typically exhibit different habitat use and movement patterns (Marshall 2009). Material examined (n = 11). Mature male caught in gill net on 13 May 2007 in the Alas Strait south of TanJung Luar, Lombok (3850 mm DW). Juvenile female caught in gill net on 13 May 2007 in the Alas Strait south of TanJung Luar, Lombok (3765 mm DW). Juvenile female caught in gill net on 13 May 2007 in the Alas Strait south of TanJung Luar, Lombok (3800 mm DW). Juvenile female caught in gill net on 13 May 2007 in the Alas Strait south of TanJung Luar, Lombok (3568 mm DW). Mature female caught in gill net on 13 May 2007 in the Alas Strait south of TanJung Luar, Lombok (4695 mm DW). Mature female killed in June 1949 in Bimini, Bahamas (approx. 4500 mm DW) examined at the Harvard Museum of Comparative Zoology (MCZ 37006). Mature female sampled on 26 September 2007 off the coast of Inhambane, Mozambique (skin sample only). Mature male sampled on 23 December 2006 off the coast of Inhambane, Mozambique (skin sample only). Mature female sampled on 12 October 2007 off the coast of Inhambane, Mozambique (skin sample only). Mature female (melanistic morph) sampled on 24 November 2007 off San Benedicto Island, Mexico (skin sample). Mature female sampled on 24 November 2007 off San Benedicto Island, Mexico (skin sample)., Published as part of Marshall, Andrea D., Compagno, Leonard J. V. & Bennett, Michael B., 2009, Redescription of the genus Manta with resurrection of Manta alfredi (Krefft, 1868) (Chondrichthyes; Myliobatoidei; Mobulidae), pp. 1-28 in Zootaxa 2301 on pages 4-11, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.191734, {"references":["Walbaum, J. J. (1792) Petri artedi sueci genera piscium. Grypeswaldiae, Germany, pp. 535.","Beebe, W. & Tee-Van, J. (1941) Eastern Pacific Expeditions of the New York Zoological Society. XXVIII Fishes from the tropical eastern pacific. Part 3: Rays, Mantas, and Chimaeras. Zoologica, 26, 245 - 278.","Muller, J. & Henle, F. G. J. (1841) Systematische Beschreibung der Plagiostomen. Berlin, pp. 187.","Compagno, L. J. V. (1999) Systematics and body form. In: Hamlett, W. C. (Eds) Sharks, Skates, and Rays: the Biology of Elasmobranch Fishes. John Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, pp. 1 - 42.","White, W. T., Giles, J., Dharmadi & Potter, I. C. (2006) Data on the bycatch fishery and reproductive biology of mobulid rays (Myliobatiformes) in Indonesia. Fisheries Research, 82, 65 - 73.","Rubin, R. (2002) Manta Rays: not all black and white. Shark Focus, 15, 4 - 5."]}

Manta sp. cf. birostris Selected synonymy. Cephalopterus giorna Lesueur, 1824. Common names. Atlantic manta ray, Caribbean manta ray Diagnosis. Overall body shape and size similar to M. birostris, although differences in colouration, denticles and dentition occur. Maximum disc width over 6000 mm. Slender whip-like tail with reduced caudal spine predominantly encased in a calcified mass present on the dorsum of tail immediately posterior to the dorsal fin. Small, knob-like dermal denticles occur on both the dorsal and ventral surfaces, which are nonoverlapping but densely and non-uniformly distributed. Ventral surface has slightly larger denticles. Terminal mouth with tooth band on lower jaw comprising 77 % of total jaw width and containing 9���11 rows of small cusped teeth. Morphometrics. See Bigelow and Schroeder (1953) for limited morphological measurements. Colouration. Dorsal surface black in colouration, although sometimes noted to be reddish to brown in colour (Lesueur 1824, Mitchill 1824, Bancroft 1829, Coles 1916, Bigelow and Schroeder 1953, Notarbartolodi-Sciara and Hillyer 1989), with or without distinct shoulder patches (Fig. 16 a,b). When present, white dorsal shoulder patches occur on each side of a darker midline. When present, shape of the shoulder patches are approximately triangular in shape with posterior facing hook on the anterior distal side (Fig. 16 a). Anterior edge of shoulder patches runs medially from spiracle in an approximately straight line parallel to the edge of the upper jaw. Ventral surface cream to white in colouration, including mouth (Fig. 16 c,d). Dark grey to black spots and patches are present only on the posterior section of the pectoral fins (posterior to the fifth gill slit) and often centralized on the abdominal region (Fig. 16 c,d). Spots do not occur medially between the five gill slits (Fig. 16). Small black semi-circular spots posterior to the fifth gill slits present (Fig. 16 c,d). Light to dark charcoalcoloured margin present along the posterior edges of the pectoral fins. Charcoal-coloured margins sometimes terminate mid-fin or sometimes stretch almost the entire length of each pectoral fin but are not always in a distinct ���V��� shape as in M. birostris (Fig. 16 d). Dentition. Tooth band on lower jaw comprising 77 % of total jaw width (Fig. 16 e). Tooth band containing 9���11 rows of small cusped teeth (approximately 1.2 mm in length) Each tooth has a bulbous root, which is embedded in the dental ligament and freestanding stalk that ends in a curved cusp that forms the occlusal surface and is oriented to face the lingual side of the jaw. Teeth in the tooth band do not overlap (Fig. 16 e). Tooth band absent in upper jaw but sparsely distributed small denticles are present in upper jaw, similar to those in M. birostris. Denticles. Prominent dermal denticles present on both the dorsal and ventral surfaces are non-overlapping but densly and non-uniformly packed (Fig. 16 f). Unlike M. birostris, the denticles of Manta sp. cf. birostris are not distributed along sagittally oriented ridges in the skin. Denticles on the dorsal and ventral surfaces are oriented in an antero-posterior direction and are similar in appearance and distribution, with slightly larger denticles on the ventral surface. Like M. alfredi, each denticle comprises a stellate base (which is embedded in the skin) with a dorso-laterally elongated emergent knob. Caudal spine. Spine with serrated lateral edges embedded in a large mass of highly mineralised cartilage, similar to that described for Mobula japonica (Notobartolo-di.Sciara 1987) and M. birostris. Calcified mass with embedded spine located on the dorsum of tail immediately posterior to dorsal fin and is encased by a thin layer of dermis (Fig. 16 g). Calcified mass (Fig. 16 h) lacks attachment via collagenous connective tissue to tail and easily detaches if skin is removed (Fig. 16 g). Spine appears to have an enameloid exterior and is slender in shape, approximately 6.9 % of the width of the calcified cartilage mass. Tip of spine projects only approximately 2.5 mm out from the surrounding mass. The calcified mass extracted from the specimen examined (male 3480 mm DW) was 4.5 % of the total DL of the ray. Size. Dissected specimens measured up to 4695 mm DW but estimates of the largest individuals sighted in the field were over 6000 mm DW (Coles 1916). It is not known at what size Manta sp. cf. birostris reaches maturity however males up to at least 3480 mm DW were found to be immature. Habitat and distribution. Manta sp. cf. birostris appears to be endemic to the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean (Fig. 8). Commonly sighted along productive coastlines with regular upwelling and island groups (Lesueur 1824, Mitchill 1824, Bancroft 1829, Coles 1916, Bigelow and Schroeder 1953, Notarbartolo-di- Sciara and Hillyer 1989, Compagno 1999, Marshall 2009). Manta sp. cf. birostris occurs as far north as North Carolina (Coles 1916) and as far south as Venezuela (Notarbartolo-di-Sciara and Hillyer 1989). In some locations, including within many parts of the Caribbean, Manta sp. cf. birostris appears to occur in sympatry with M. birostris. Material examined (n = 1). Immature male killed in June 1949 in Bimini, Bahamas (3480 mm DW) examined at the Harvard Museum of Comparative Zoology (MCZ 37005)., Published as part of Marshall, Andrea D., Compagno, Leonard J. V. & Bennett, Michael B., 2009, Redescription of the genus Manta with resurrection of Manta alfredi (Krefft, 1868) (Chondrichthyes; Myliobatoidei; Mobulidae), pp. 1-28 in Zootaxa 2301 on pages 22-24, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.191734, {"references":["Lesueur, C. A. (1824) Description of several species of the Linnaean genus Raia, of North America. Journal of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, 4, 100 - 121.","Bigelow, H. B. & Schroeder, W. C. (1953) Sawfish, guitarfish, skates and rays. In: Bigelow, H. B. & Schroeder, W. C. (Eds) Fishes of the Western North Atlantic, Part 2. Sears Foundation for Marine Research, Yale University, New Haven, pp. 508 - 514.","Mitchill, S. L. (1824) Description of a new and gigantic species of the genus Cephalopterus of Dumeril. Annals of the Lyceum of Natural History of New York, 23 - 29.","Bancroft, E. N. (1829) On the fish known in Jamaica as the Sea-devil. In: Vigors, N. A. (Ed) The Zoological Journal Vol. 4. Phillips Publishing, London, pp. 444 - 457.","Coles, R. J. (1916) Natural history notes on the devil-fish, Manta birostris (Walbaum) and Mobula olfersi (Muller). Bulletin American Museum of Natural History, 35, 649 - 657.","Compagno, L. J. V. (1999) Systematics and body form. In: Hamlett, W. C. (Eds) Sharks, Skates, and Rays: the Biology of Elasmobranch Fishes. John Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, pp. 1 - 42."]}

Character key for Manta (Fig. 15) (1) Pale to white-coloured shoulder patches present on dorsal supra-branchial region on each side of a dark midline Shoulder patches are very distinct and approximately triangular in shape with a posterior facing hook on the anterior distal side. Anterior edge of shoulder patches runs medially from spiracle in an approximately straight line parallel to the edge of the upper jaw..................................................................................................................... Manta birostris Anterior margin of shoulder patch initially emanating posteriorly from spiracle before curving medially. Towards the midline, colouration again begins to radiate out posteriorly continuing down over the supra-branchial region in variably sized and shaped shoulder patches. Anterior distal side of the shoulder patch may present as an anterior facing hook......................................................................................................................................................... Manta alfredi (2) Ventral colouration and natural markings Distinctive dark spots located on the ventral surface of disc over abdominal region, with no spots present medially between the five adjacent gill slits. Prominent semi-circular spot extends posteriorly from both of the most posterior gill slits. Charcoal-coloured margin typically present on posterior edges of pectoral fins that extend the entire length of each pectoral fin................................................................................................................................ Manta birostris Distinctive dark spots on the ventral surface of disc can be present across the posterior half of the body and medially between the five adjacent gill slits. Small semi-circular spot extends posteriorly from of both of the most posterior gill slits.................................................................................................................................................... Manta alfredi (3) Caudal spine Caudal spine mostly encased in a calcified mass present on the dorsum of the tail immediately posterior to the dorsal fin............................................................................................................................................................. Manta birostris No distinct, removable caudal spine or calcified mass present on tail........................................................... Manta alfredi (4) Skin and dermal denticles Skin, which forms distinct, sagittally oriented, ridges and furrows along the entire length of the dorsal and ventral surfaces, is densely embedded with overlapping, multicuspid denticles................................................... Manta birostris Skin on both dorsal and ventral surfaces embedded with small non-overlapping, evenly spaced denticles with stellate bases and laterally elongated knob-like (lacking cusps) structures projecting from skin....................... Manta alfredi (5) Mouth colouration and dentition Mouth black to charcoal grey in colouration. Dark colouration around mouth often extends posteriorly on the ventral surface from the base of the cephalic fins to the anterior edge of the first gill slits. Dental ligament embedded with small cusped teeth on the lower jaw measuring roughly 25 % of total disc length with approximately 12–16 rows, 220–250 files across entire width of the band. Total tooth counts of 3000–4000 for entire tooth band. Upper jaw contains at least two rows of enlarged denticles that span the same width of the upper jaw as the tooth band on the lower jaw.................................................................................................................................................................. Manta birostris Mouth is white to light grey in colouration. Dental ligament with small cusped teeth on the lower jaw measuring roughly 22 % of total disc length with approximately 6–8 rows, 142–182 files across entire width of the tooth band. Total tooth counts of 900–1500 for entire tooth band. Upper jaw lacks rows of enlarged denticles............... Manta alfredi

Included here is a detailed sample collection protocol for obtaining M. birostris muscle tissue samples from free swimming animals. Additionally, the CN isotope values for individual Manta birostris and surface zooplankton tows are presented, along with mixing model summary statistics for the mean credible interval source contributions of surface zooplankton and mesopelagic sources to M. birostris diet.