Relationship with humans- Manta ray and human swill encounter each other in the open water. Most likely during diving or when manta's are caught in fishing nets or ashed upon shore.
Manta rays have a special bond with small marine fish. These fish will eat off and remove any esses parasites that may have attached them self to the manta ray at anytime. In return the manta ray gives the fish food to eat and give it protection under its underbelly. They work as a short term team. To help each other survive and stay clean. This kind of relationship is called a mutualistic relationship because the fish are getting food and protection while the manta ray is getting its parasites removed.
These little little hitch hikes attach themselves onto the manta ray and feed on their blood and nutrients. Most External parasites carry diseases and transfer them to the host manta ray which is not good for there health. The relationship between External parasites and manta ray is parasitic because the parasites are taking the ray's vital nutrients and injuring them.