Story perspectives

Remoras Enter Manta Cloacas, Potentially Damaging Tissue

5/18/2026

Summary

Story summary

Footage shows remora tails protruding from manta rays’ cloacal openings during “cloacal diving.”
Scientists recorded seven cloacal-diving events involving all three manta-ray species at sites in Florida, the Maldives and Mozambique, using data collected 2010-2025 by the Marine Megafauna Foundation and Manta Trust.
Emily Yeager warned the intrusion likely causes discomfort and may damage cloacal tissue, while Brooke Flammang noted remora suction cups have injured host skin, suggesting possible harm.

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Story summary

Footage shows remora tails protruding from manta rays’ cloacal openings during “cloacal diving.”
Scientists recorded seven cloacal-diving events involving all three manta-ray species at sites in Florida, the Maldives and Mozambique, using data collected 2010-2025 by the Marine Megafauna Foundation and Manta Trust.
Emily Yeager warned the intrusion likely causes discomfort and may damage cloacal tissue, while Brooke Flammang noted remora suction cups have injured host skin, suggesting possible harm.