Lefty

Lefty was identified June 1, 1979 by Steve Myklebust. This is almost 45 years ago! She was about 8 feet across when first identified.

Lefty was one of the most famous manta rays. Unfortunately, we have not seen her since April of 2016.

She was easily identified by her paralyzed left cephalic fin. When she was feeding her fin usually flopped below or directly into her mouth. When she was not feeding and her cephalic fins were rolled up, her left fin pointed inward at a right angle instead of straight out in front of her. She frequented  Manta Heaven, but was also seen often at Manta Village. She was known to brush bellys with snorkelers or grace over a diver’s head, leaving guests with an experience they would never forget.

 

SPECIES

Mobula Alfredi (reef)

GENDER

Female

WINGSPAN

12-13 feet

MARKINGS

Diamond shaped spot marking

IDENTIFIED BY

Steve Myklebust

IDENTIFICATION DATE

06/01/1979

Lefty'S MARKINGS

Lefty had a diamond shaped spot with a space between her spot pattern.

Lefty's Injuries/scarring

Lefty's left cephalic fin was paralyzed. She also had scarring from a boat propeller injury on her right wingtip.

Have you met Lefty? Share your story!

2 Comments

  1. Ashley Harmening

    would Lefty migrate to Thailand? because there is a manta ray there referred to as Lefty due to an injured fin and she is alive and well as of 2023.

    Reply

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