Manta Ray

Manta Ray

Hāhālua — “two breaths”

The manta ray is hāhālua, “two breaths,” for the pair of cephalic fins that funnel plankton into its mouth. Hawaiʻi's mantas can span fourteen feet, have the largest brain of any fish, and glide the same coastlines their whole lives — divers here recognize individuals by the spot pattern on their pale bellies.