Manta Ray

ID points

• Huge diamond-shaped pectoral fins like spread wings
• Two curling cephalic fins projecting forward from the head
• Black above and white below; the belly spots differ with each individual

Basics

Family

Mobulidae

Length

3.0–7.0 m

Depth

0-120 m

Regions

Indo-Pacific reefs · Caribbean & W. Atlantic · Open ocean

Distribution

Warm tropical to subtropical waters worldwide

Habitat

Open ocean and reef cleaning stations

Diet

Plankton

Easily confused with

Eagle RayInky black back covered in white spotsSawfishSnout extended into a long saw with teeth down each side

Fun fact

A manta ray can span 7 metres from wingtip to wingtip, and it has one of the highest brain to body ratios of any cartilaginous fish. Mantas have passed the mirror test, which suggests they may be self-aware.