No one knows exactly why manta rays jump out of the water, but there are several theories.

Some biologists suspect that the rays may be trying to get rid of parasites. Jumping could also be a mode of communication - either the jump itself could be a signal to other rays, or it could have something to do with the noise they make when they land in the water. Of course, like many unexplained animal behaviors, jumping could be a way of attracting a mate - perhaps mantas are showing how fit they are by jumping as high as possible!

Finally, some scientist think that the mantas may just be doing it for fun. As you probably know from watching cats and dogs, animals like to have fun just like humans do.