Atlantis Blue Life
An Extraordinary Manta Ray at Atlantis

Among the thousands of marine animals in our ocean-fed lagoons, one is unmistakable: a graceful Atlantic manta ray named Kronos. He’s about 18 months old and already has a wingspan of more than six feet, which could reach 20 feet when he’s fully grown. Our Sea Keeper team makes sure Kronos receives a nutrient-rich diet of krill, prepared daily in our Fish Kitchen.


A Scientific Discovery

The Atlantic manta ray (Mobula yarae) is a newly discovered species which is expected to be classified as endangered or vulnerable once more data is collected, similar to the other two manta ray species facing the same threats. While Kronos is at Atlantis, our marine life experts will study and document his health and behavioral information, which will be invaluable to international scientists and conservationists who protect marine species in the wild.

Kronos is the 15th manta we’ve studied over the past two decades and after about three years in our care, he’ll be tagged and released to the wild.

Six different ray species at atlantis

Kronos joins five other ray species at Atlantis: southern stingray, cownose ray, Caribbean ray, motoro stingray and spotted eagle ray, which gets its name from its distinct pattern of white spots on its back. Like sharks, rays are elasmobranchs and instead of bones, they have cartilage that enables them to move swiftly through the water. Rays are found in all the world’s oceans, and in addition to their winglike pectoral fins, they have long, slender tails that can have razor-sharp, venomous spines.



Threats To Wild Rays

Rays need protection because they face serious threats in the wild. They are intentionally caught by fisheries who profit from the sale of their gill plates—highly valued in some cultures. They are vulnerable to boat strikes and entanglement in fishing lines. And warming oceans threaten their primary source of food: zooplankton, which are tiny organisms like shrimp, crab and mollusk larvae, and fish eggs.

Our research and tagging program have helped scientists and Government organizations better understand manta migration patterns and habitat usage.

An Open Invitation

We invite you to visit Kronos as you explore The Dig to view the rays and fish from below or meet him face-to-face during our Snorkel the Ruins experience. Every marine experience supports the nonprofit Atlantis Blue Project Foundation, celebrating 20 years dedicated to saving sea species and their habitats throughout The Bahamas and surrounding Caribbean seas.

Featured Offer
Last Minute Getaway to Paradise

Your dream Bahamas vacation is closer than you think. Book today and save up to 30% on your last minute 2025 getaway.

Learn More
Last Minute Escape
Ask Mona the Atlantis Virtual Assistant
Generative AI is experimental. Result quality may vary.
MONA: Your Virtual Assistant
Hello, how can I help you?
Quick links
  • Make Dining Reservations?
  • Buy a day pass?
  • Book Transportation?