Recent sightings in Israeli waters have included several whale sharks adn large specimens of two ray species: manta rays and spotted eagle rays.
Off the coast of Eilat, manta rays, the world’s largest stingrays, have been observed at least four times. Additionally, the rarer but equally large spotted eagle ray was documented twice.
Spotted eagle rays can reach lengths of 3.3 meters (up to 8.8 meters including the tail),with a disc width of up to 2.5 meters and a weight of up to 230 kilograms.
Fishermen captured one encounter with a spotted eagle ray on video.
This marks the second reported sighting of a spotted eagle ray in this specific area.
In the past month,tourists in Eilat also encountered several whale sharks. Whale sharks are recognized as the largest fish globally, with manta rays ranking as the fifth largest marine creature. The whale sharks observed in Eilat measured approximately 6 to 7 meters in length.
Shir Bar, a doctoral candidate at the Interuniversity Institute for Marine Sciences in Eilat and a volunteer with the Sharks and Mantas Identification Association, commented:
“Previously, we believed the whale sharks sighted were juveniles. Though, by comparing one of this year’s recorded sharks with observations from sharm El Sheikh in 2012-2013, we resolute that the individual sighted is an adult, not a young one.”
Regarding manta rays, there have been over 10 sightings in the last two months, suggesting an increasing presence in the region.
Miron Segev, a photographer with Sharks of Israel, shared his experience with a manta ray earlier this month:
“I went for a morning swim and was surprised to encounter a very large manta ray. As I attempted to photograph it, it turned towards me, revealing its white underside, which temporarily blinded me and made photography challenging. It wasn’t easy, but the experience was incredible.”
Scientists are currently investigating the reasons behind the increased frequency of these large marine animals visiting the gulf of Eilat, noting that thay typically follow plankton blooms.
Potential factors include changes in their preferred habitats elsewhere in the Red Sea or the significant reduction in activity at the Port of Eilat in recent months due to the Houthi sea blockade, which may have created a more favorable surroundings.
“Details”, D.G.Photo: Depositphotos.com โ