The world's largest ray, with wingspans up to 23 feet. Filter feeders that consume tons of plankton, mantas have the largest brain-to-body ratio of any fish and exhibit social behaviors not seen in most fishes.

Also called: Oceanic Manta Ray, Giant Manta

Native status: Native; circumglobal in tropical and warm-temperate oceans

§ Quick facts

SizeWingspan 5–7 m typical; record 9.1 m (30 ft)
Weight1,000–1,400 kg typical; record 2,400 kg
LifespanWild 40+ years
OrderMyliobatiformes
FamilyMobulidae

§ Encyclopedia

The giant oceanic manta ray, giant manta ray, or oceanic manta ray is a species of ray in the family Mobulidae and the largest type of ray in the world. It is circumglobal and is typically found in tropical and subtropical waters but can also be found in temperate waters. Until 2017, the species was classified in the genus Manta, along with the smaller reef manta ray. DNA testing revealed that both mantas are closer related to some Mobula species than these are to other Mobula, being claded together. As a result, the two Manta species were absorbed into Mobula to reflect the new classification.

Source: Wikipedia — Giant oceanic manta ray Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Massive triangular wing-shaped ray with cephalic lobes ("horns") extending forward from head; mostly black above with white patches on shoulders; pure white belly often with distinctive individual spot patterns used for ID.

Similar species. Reef Manta Ray (smaller, different head pattern). Devil Rays (smaller; different shape).

Voice. Silent.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Zooplankton (copepods, krill, fish larvae) filtered from seawater while swimming open-mouthed.

Behavior. Largest ray species in the world. Performs spectacular breaches — entire body clears the water in dramatic leaps, the function of which (parasite removal? courtship? communication?) remains debated. Highly migratory; individuals tracked moving thousands of kilometers. Vulnerable to fishing pressure due to slow reproduction (one pup every 2–5 years). The gill-plate trade (used in Asian medicine) drove decades of unsustainable harvest; CITES Appendix II listing in 2013 has reduced but not eliminated the threat.

§ Range

Tropical and warm temperate seas worldwide; seasonal in Florida, Gulf of Mexico

§ Habitat

Productive coastal and oceanic waters, often near upwellings and reefs

§ Threats

Targeted fishing for gill plates (used in Asian medicine), bycatch in coastal nets, microplastic ingestion.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the giant manta ray is currently classified as Endangered.

§ What helps

Avoid manta-derived products. Support Marine Protected Areas. Choose ecotourism operators that follow no-touch guidelines.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • IUCN Red List 2019
  • CITES Appendix II
  • Manta Trust
  • National Geographic