Peanut butter and high-tech cameras reveal the secret lives of manta rays

Nature · Published 25 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: For years, scientists could only observe manta rays from a distance or through expensive satellite tags. Now, a simple but effective adhesive is allowing researchers to see these intelligent giants from their own perspective, capturing intimate underwater ballets and behaviors that were previously hidden from human view.

The use of "Crittercams"—cameras equipped with depth and temperature sensors—has revolutionized marine biology. To attach these devices to manta rays without harming them, researchers used a surprising adhesive: peanut butter. This method allows scientists to observe the animals' natural behaviors when humans are not present, bypassing the limitations of recreational scuba diving, which is generally restricted to 130 feet.

One of the most significant breakthroughs from this technology is the documentation of the deepest recorded manta courtship train. In the Maldives' Raa Atoll, researchers captured footage of reef mantas (Mobula alfredi) engaging in synchronized chases between 83 and 219 feet deep. These "trains" involve males following a female in an elaborate display to demonstrate their suitability as mates. The study analyzed approximately 40 hours of footage, a task Nicole Pelletier of The Manta Trust described as a meticulous frame-by-frame annotation.

Beyond courtship, the cameras revealed unique deep-sea behaviors, such as manta rays hugging the seabed. Scientists believe this might be a strategy to reduce predation risk, improve hydrodynamics, or help the rays navigate using the Earth's magnetic field. These findings highlight the complexity of these creatures, which are increasingly recognized as intelligent and sophisticated marine animals.

While traditional tracking methods like satellite and acoustic tags provide valuable data, they are often prohibitively expensive. The transition to in-water, animal-perspective cameras offers a more accessible and intimate way to unravel the mysteries of the deep ocean, providing a "labor of love" for researchers dedicated to understanding these majestic giants.

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