(Kona Coast, HAWAII 06/10/04 11:50am) While motoring south towards Pine Trees Point after Dive 1 our captain, Ron Gittins, of Coral Reef Divers, noticed a large light blue patch of water from quite a distance. I immediately thought: "Whale Shark!" and geared up as we slowly passed by. Upon entering the water and descending, I was stunned to see two manta rays in what appeared to be an underwater "dog fight". Like one airplane chasing another, a male manta was hot on the trail of a large female. This chase took place in blue water about a half mile from shore off of the area surfers call "Pine Trees". In an effort to get pictures, I followed them down to 103 FSW.

I had seen males following females before, but had never seen an all out chase. The female was not "in the mood". Much of the time she used me as a shield in a futile attempt to out maneuver the male; often passing within inches of me. I had so much time underwater with them that I was able to review the digital images I acquired so I could check exposure and focus as I was shooting.

Unfortunately I had the wrong camera. I was using a small Canon digital still. It was definitely a wide angle situation most of the time. I would have preferred to have my digital video. The pictures don't do the experience justice. The "word" spread quickly and many boats arrived putting snorkelers in the water. They appeared to get a good show as well. After about 40 minutes, I did a long safety stop with my Stinger and Ron picked me up.

These were not the mantas we see on the night dive. They seemed quite a bit larger, perhaps 12 to 14 feet, fin tip to fin tip. The size of the male's claspers seemed to indicate some degree sexual maturity as did his aggressive following behavior, but I defer to our panel of experts for their interpretation of the imagery. He also had two large remoras located dorsally; some of the largest I have ever seen on any creature. The mantas intermittently deployed their cephalic fins, but I never saw them open their mouths. I wondered if in addition to a possible aid in feeding, those fins might transmit information concerning body position and movement of the creature. The male was never able to position himself in such a way to achieve copulation.

We quickly dubbed the male, "St. James" and the female, "Martina".

Please see the attached images.

James L. Wing
Kona Operations Manager
The Manta Connection
Big Island, Hawaii