Manta alfredi: Krefft’s Devil Ray

  • Author(s)
    Liz McKinnon
  • Category
    Museullaneous
  • Published
    22 August 2014
  • Read time
    2 minutes

Visiting the Colonies

Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh and second son of Queen Victoria, was met with great excitement in the colonies, arriving on board HMS Galatea. He was welcomed with grand events in his honour, and was entertained at the Australian Museum by Curator Gerard Krefft. It was reported that Krefft showcased fights between snakes and mongooses at the museum for the Prince’s enjoyment.

Gerard Krefft, Curator and Secretary, 1861-1874
Johann Ludwig Gerard (Louis) Krefft, 1830–1881 Ahead of his time in many respects, Gerard Krefft was one of the few Australian scientists to accept and propagate Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. Krefft’s diverse contributions had considerable and far-reaching significance, and he was responsible for elevating the Australian Museum to its place in the international world of science. Image: unknown
© Australian Museum

After visiting the other Australian colonies, he returned to Sydney and attended a charity picnic on the 12th March for the Sydney Sailors’ Home. An Irish Republican with a questionable mental state attempted to assassinate the Prince. Henry James O’Farrell, at close range, fired a pistol at Prince Alfred, striking him in the back. He was arrested and later convicted of attempted murder and was hanged in Darlinghurst Gaol on 21st April 1868.

The Royal Fish

Prince Alfred made a full recovery and arrived safely back in England by the 26th June. Following his visit to Sydney, a “monster” was caught in Watson’s Bay. The curious specimen, over fourteen feet broad, was secured by the Museum Trustees with a five pound note. Krefft was quick to name the coined sea devil in honour of His Royal Highness, earning the name Manta alfredi, Alfred Manta. The specimen was photographed by Mr Henry Barnes, copies of which were sent to, and kindly accepted by the Prince. The Manta Ray was preserved by taxidermist Mr Tost, taking three weeks to complete the task.

Gerard Krefft with Manta Ray, <i>Manta alfredi</i> (Krefft 1869). AMS 1.1731

Gerard Krefft with the newly discovered Manta Ray, Manta alfredi, 1869.

Image: Henry Barnes
© Australian Museum

Despite being credited with names such as Devilfish and the Australian Devil Ray, the Manta Alfredi is a graceful creature, in spite of its monstrous size.