Buoyancy and similarity of the swimming of Manta birostris (Elasmobranchii: Myliobatidae) with the flying cycle of Columba livia (Aves: Columbidae)

The physics of flotation in Manta birostris was analysed and the swimming of this species was compared with the flight cycle of the common pigeon Columba livia, in order to find similarities and differences in their locomotion patterns and the laws of physics driving them. It was showed that the cycle of M. birostris has three of the main four stages of pigeon's flying cycle. A "Parachute effect" was also demonstrated, which give an advantage on raýs locomotion. Moreover, it was described how torque concept is applied to turn of this species.