A manta ray has been spotted flying through the air in a desperate attempt to escape a hungry shark.
The clip shows the mantra breaching the surface with the predator hot on its tail.
Both animals thrashed in the sea as the shark tried to take numerous bites out of its prey.
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The manta ray took to the air several times before suddenly disappearing.
A witness said the ray would not have been able to escape the shark.
The encounter took place off the coast of Fajardo in Puerto Rico last month.
The clip was filmed by Wanda Méndez, the owner of a handmade jewellery store in the area.
It was shared on Facebook by TV meteorologist Deborah Martorell where it went viral with 2.2 million views and nearly 2,000 comments, as reported by What’s The Jam.
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One local said: “What a spectacle of nature.”
Jorge added: “How quick was that shark!”
Osvaldo remarked: “It must have been a hammerhead shark, rays are their favourite snack.”
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According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), manta rays breach the water to increase their escape speed and confuse their attacker.
Scientists believe this behaviour is also used to communicate, get rid of parasites and attract members of the opposite sex during mating season.
Sharks are experts at hunting manta rays in shallow waters, usually near coral reefs or close to the seabed where they spend a lot of their time, according to National Geographic magazine.
Manta rays can grow up to 23ft in length while stingrays have a maximum length of around 6ft.
They also have a much larger wingspan than stingrays and no barb on the end of their tail.
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