Though a previous study in Sudan confirmed the existence of a living hybrid of an oceanic
manta ray (Mobula birostris) and a reef manta ray (M. alfredi), courtship behaviors between the two
closely related species have never been documented. Here we report the first observation of courtship
behaviors between two male M. birostris and a female M. alfredi at a manta ray cleaning station on a
shallow coral reef seamount in Misool, Raja Ampat, Indonesia. The observed courtship event lasted
for approximately 45 min and involved one male oceanic manta actively chasing the mature reef
manta female around the cleaning station and repeatedly bumping her on the left wing tip with his
right cephalic lobe, while the second male continuously flanked the female to seemingly prevent her
retreat from the cleaning station and potential evasion of the pursuing male. Notably, the female
exhibited a rapid coloration change, likely indicative of courtship-related stress, transitioning from
the striking pale hue she exhibited throughout the courtship activity to a normal chevron pattern
once the males departed.