Manta rays are notable for their long, whip-like tails, which may serve as sensory antennae rather than for propulsion or defense. Recent research published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences reveals that these tails contain specialized organs to sense underwater stimuli, indicating a complex sensory function. This discovery, noted by marine biologist Julia Chaumel, challenges existing notions about the role of the tail in these open-water fishes compared to the venomous barbs of shorter-tailed stingrays.
The complexity inside the tail was super surprising, said Julia Chaumel. We had no idea that this huge structure had a sensorial function.
According to Matt Ajemian, most stingrays have short, muscular tails that they use to flex venomous barbs. But myliobatid rays possess very different backsides.
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