J9 was first identified July 20, 2011 at Manta Heaven by Scott Blain.
She was curious and mustered up the nerve to dart past the camera and lights on her first encounter with the cameraman’s bubbles. She squirmed a little trying to stay brave but eventually took off. J9 has been seen a handful of times at Manta Heaven since her identification and every time she remained in the shadows around the campfire.
J9 is named after our dear friend Janine Maira, a local boat captain, scuba instructor, mother to twins and manta enthusiast.
DESCRIPTION OF MARKINGS
J9 has several dots that make up her spot pattern as they form an outer V with two smaller diamond shapes in the middle. She is also missing her left cephalic fin.
IDENTIFICATION DATE
July 20, 2011
GENDER
Female
SIZE OF WINGSPAN
6-8 feet
ABNORMALITIES/SCARRING
Missing her left cephalic fin
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