Utilizing photographs of real-life manta ray groupings, the researchers designed simulations for three manta rays in the following formations: linear tandem, one with a single ray leading two in a V-like triangle, and an inverted triangle with one trailing behind the pair.
They found the tandem configuration was distinctively advantageous, but only for the manta ray in the middle position. This swimmer received a propulsion boost from the flow created by the front ray, considerably enhancing its maneuverability.
On the other hand, the two arrangements seemed to limit efficiency if set against the metric of an individual swimming solo.
“The tandem formation and the triangular formation are the formations that manta rays often use during group swimming,” said Gao.
“This biological information also supports the idea that a small group of three individuals can be used as a basic unit for more complex group swimming.”