How do sharks use manta rays to scratch themselves?

Sharks use manta rays like a scratching post to help them feel better on their skin.

Imagine you have an itchy back and there's no wall or tree nearby, that’s how sharks might feel sometimes. So they find a manta ray, which is a big, soft, flat fish, and swim near it. Then they rub against the manta ray, just like you would scratch your back on a chair or a post. This helps them scratch their skin and make it feel better.

Sharks have rough skin with little bumps called scales, and sometimes these scales can get tangled or dirty. When they rub against a manta ray, the soft body of the manta ray acts like a gentle scrub brush, helping to clean and smooth out their skin. This makes them more comfortable and ready for swimming again.

It’s kind of like when you use a toothbrush on your teeth, it helps clean them better than just using water alone. Sharks are doing something similar, but with manta rays instead of toothbrushes!