A scuba diver in the Maldives was enjoying the view of a large group of eagle rays when one individual suddenly raced up to the surface and leapt out of the water.
“About 20 metres away, they were all moving together like they were playing… and suddenly, one shot to the surface,” says June Arrieta Fernández, who shared the underwater view of the breach on Instagram.
“It’s pretty common to see schools of eagle rays around here, but I’d never seen anything like this before.”
See the amazing moment the eagle ray shoots to the surface. Credit: June Arrieta Fernández
There are a few theories why marine animals, including rays, whales and some sharks breach. It might be to do with communication, courtship, removing parasites or for the sheer joy of leaping free of the water.
“It was so beautiful to see it rise so fast and then dive back down with the rest of the school,” she adds.
Fernández filmed the eagle rays in the Maldives. Credit: June Arrieta Fernández
Image and video credit: June Arrieta Fernández, @junearriet
More amazing wildlife stories from around the world