Rare manta ray discovered

A two-month expedition off the coast of East Africa, which was attended by scientists from The Deep in Hull, could have discovered a new species of fish.

The experts found a rare creature off Sudan, which they believe could be the first of its kind ever found.

It's a Manta Ray which they think has parents from two different species - as James Webster reports.

One of the aquarists from the Deep in Hull who travelled to Sudan and helped discover a new rare type of manta ray says the find gives him goosebumps.

Graham Hill's team identified a hybrid creature that it is believed was the result of mating between the giant and reef mantas.

During the research trip to Sudan in which a rare hybrid manta ray was discovered, the team installed underwater equipment to track the creatures' movements. Ben Jones from The Deep in Hull says being in the water with them was every aquarist's dream:

Scientists from The Deep in Hull have discovered the first hybrid manta ray off the coast of Sudan. They travelled to the country as part of a wider research project which is looking for new ways to conserve the species. The creature they found is believed to have parents from different species.

During their trip, experts successfully tagged and released 22 manta rays. They can now be tracked and monitored for 12 months. Genetic samples from one showed characteristics from two species which were previously thought to be reproductively isolated.