Manta ray

Manta birostris

One of the best things I’ve ever seen (though sadly not in real life yet) is a Manta ray leaping out of the water, flapping its ‘wings’ and belly flopping back into the sea. This behaviour is still a mystery to scientists but could be attributed to communication or removal of parasites. The other theory is that they do it simply for the fun of it – easy to believe when you watch them go!