This ray species is widespread, and can be found anywhere from the Mediterranean and the eastern Atlantic to the Indian Ocean and western Pacific. The devil ray fish stems from the Mobula family, which includes the manta and spotted eagle ray. Scientific Nameĭevil Ray The Stealth Bomber: Devil rays are much sharper than their manta counterparts. Today, the reef manta is classed as a vulnerable species due to entanglement, plastic pollution and illegal fishing operations. This species of ray is found in the tropical waters of the Indian, Pacific and Atlantic oceans near coral reefs around islands and atolls. The reef manta’s upper body has a small dorsal fin, which from the surface can easily be mistaken for a Dolphin or Shark. Their most common color is either black or dark grey, with a white underside. Much like the Oceanic manta, reef manta’s also have horns used to feed on plankton. Often referred to as ‘Birds of the Sea’ because their two triangular pectoral fins resemble the wings of a bird. The reef manta ray is the worlds second-largest species of ray, and has a maximum wingspan of approximately 15 feet. Reef Manta Ray Spot the difference: Reef manta’s are significantly smaller than their Oceanic cousins. Shop our Manta Ray Necklace and help support ocean conservation efforts now. However, human factors such as unsustainable fishing and an ever increasing demand for their body parts has led the Oceanic manta ray to become the first manta ray to be listed as an endangered species. Oceanic manta rays have a lifespan of around 15-20 years and are mostly preyed upon by sharks and killer whales. They inhabit warm tropical waters worldwide, and spend most of their time between the surface and approximately 400ft deep. The mantas use these areas as both feeding and cleaning stations. Oceanic mantas are often found congregating on reefs particularly susceptible to current, which attract schooling fish and plankton. These are used to funnel plankton – a manta rays favourite snack! With so many different types of rays, it can be hard to tell them apart but one of the main distinguishable features of the Oceanic manta ray are the horns located either side of their huge mouths. From wing tip to wing tip, they can grow to at least 23ft and weigh up to an impressive 4,000 pounds!Īpart from their size, the Oceanic manta ray is distinguished by the markings on their backs, which include large black and white patches mostly above their shoulders. The Oceanic manta ray is the largest ray species in the world. Oceanic Manta Ray Photo by Shawn Heinrichs | The great Oceanic manta is the oceans gentle giant. From the graceful manta rays to the elusive stingrays, discover their distinct characteristics and unravel the secrets of these captivating species. Explore 10 different types of rays (Batoidea) and learn how to distinguish them.
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