Otho Dee Ray

Otho Dee Ray was first identified on July 31, 2015, by James Wing in Kauna’oa Bay. He was about 5 feet fin tip to fin tip. He was a pup with tiny claspers but has grown to 7-8 feet already.

SPECIES

Mobula Alfredi (reef)

GENDER

Male

WINGSPAN

7-8 feet

MARKINGS

Markings resemble "two hands embrace"

IDENTIFIED BY

James Wing

IDENTIFICATION DATE

07/31/2015

Otho Dee Ray'S MARKINGS

Otho Dee's markings resemble "two hands embrace".

Otho Dee Ray's Injuries/scarring

Otho Dee was injured in August 2024. We’re not entirely sure how it happened, but we suspect it might have been due to human impact. Other possibilities include being struck by a stationary propeller or getting washed onto the rocks - something that can occur when the tide is high and manta rays are too close to shore. Despite his deep wounds, he showed remarkable recovery 34 days later, with his injuries almost fully healed (see pictures below).

How was Otho Dee Ray Named?

He’s named after Jim’s brother.

IMAGES OF Otho Dee Ray

Otho Dee Ray 1

Otho Dee Ray was badly injured, but made an impressive recovery.

Aug 29 2024

Otho Dee Ray 2

These are some of the wounds on his underbelly.

Aug 29 2024

Otho Dee Ray 3

Otho Dee Ray's cut near the gill slits. We've never seen this type of cut before.

Aug 29 2024

Otho Dee Ray 4

One month later, the cut near his gill slit was almost fully healed.

Oct 01 2024

Otho Dee Ray 5

His underbelly wounds had also healed, revealing the amazing ability of manta rays to recover from injuries.

Oct 01 2024

Have you met Otho Dee Ray? Share your story!

1 Comment

Audrey W on May 15, 2023 at 10:01 pm

I have been lucky enough to see Otho Dee Ray a few times. But the most memorable encounter was on May 9th 2023. I just found out about some terribly tragic news earlier that day from a good mate, and I felt heavy hearted and mournful.

Then I saw Otho Dee in the water that night. He was much slower when he swam up to feed compared to Kamala Ray. He moved with precision, was inches away from me and never touched me. Yet I felt close to him. It felt like being in the most intimate embrace; the most beautiful connection and closeness with the animal without needing physical contact at all. Being in that silent and still space with the other beings brought me a sense of peace.

Now I know why Otho Dee Ray has the two hands embrace markings.
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