State Officials Share Video Of Manta Ray Spotted Off Jones Beach

WANTAGH, NY — An already eventful summer in south shore waters got another unexpected guest Monday, as a manta ray was spotted feeding off the shores of Jones Beach, per state officials.

In a video shared by the State Department of Environmental Conservation, an adult oceanic manta ray was spotted feeding in the water just off the south shore landmark.

The DEC did not say how old this specific ray was, but said oceanic manta rays can live for up to 40 years and grow to weigh over 4,000 lbs. When closer to shore, state officials said manta rays act as “filter feeders,” consuming large amounts of zooplankton. Further out in the water, state officials said the rays can also be found foraging for medium-sized fish.

The ray sighting comes about six weeks after a shark was spotted in the water at Lido Beach, a sighting officials said sent someone to the hospital with a potential bite.

Luckily for swimmers, no bites were reported as a result of Monday's ray sighting.