Scuba divers in Bali have encountered a severely injured manta ray at a popular dive site in Indonesia. The animal was discovered with a large injury to its back finish, including a missing tail and a significant portion of its body.
Identification of the Injured Ray
Scientists from the Marine Megafauna Foundation (MMF) utilized the MantaMatcher database to identify the animal. They confirmed the ray is an adult male named Eldrador.
Records indicate that Eldrador was last seen in one piece in September 2025. The MMF team has since agreed that the current catastrophic injuries appear to have been caused by a shark bite.
The Reality of the Ocean Food Chain
Representatives from Scuba Junkie Penida noted that while such sightings are tricky, they serve as a reminder of the ocean’s natural order. Even graceful creatures like manta rays are part of a larger food chain.
The team highlighted that documenting these encounters is vital. Sharing sightings via MantaMatcher plays an important role in the broader understanding of manta populations and their lives in the wild.
Uncertain Outlook
The prognosis for Eldrador is currently described as bleak, though not entirely certain. While he was in very awful shape, some mantas may recover from severe injuries.
Eldrador, who also possesses an older, healed bite wound on his left side, has not been seen since the footage was captured in late March 2026. It remains unclear whether he could survive these latest injuries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Eldrador?
Eldrador is an adult male manta ray identified by the Marine Megafauna Foundation through the Manta Matcher database.
Where was the injured manta ray found?
The ray was spotted at the Manta Point dive site in Nusa Penida, Indonesia.
What likely caused the injuries?
Both Scuba Junkie Penida and the Marine Megafauna Foundation team indicated that the injuries were most likely caused by a shark bite.
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