Jordanian fisherman records rare Red Sea fish after 25 years
Jordanian fisherman Marwan Shreem was able to document the first recorded appearance of an oceanic manta ray (Pteroplatytrygon violacea) in the Red Sea waters. The event occurred on May 30, 2025, when he caught an unusual fish while fishing in the Gulf of Aqaba. The significance of this discovery lies in the fact that this species is rarely found in the area. Studies suggest it could have arrived from the Indian Ocean through the Bab al-Mandab Strait or via the Mediterranean through the Suez Canal, with a possible ability to adapt to the conditions of the Gulf of Aqaba, including the high temperature and salinity levels. This discovery raises scientific questions about the extent of this species' distribution in the region, and whether there are other groups that have not been previously documented. Researchers believe that the Gulf's conditions may be suitable for its established presence, opening the door for further studies on the migration and adaptation of manta rays in the Red Sea.
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