Species · GBIF taxon 9241141
Reef Manta Ray
Mobula alfrediAlso known as Coastal Manta Ray, Alfred Manta, Inshore Manta Ray, Hahalua
Reef manta rays glide gracefully through shallow coastal waters, using their prominent cephalic fins to funnel zooplankton into their wide, cavernous mouths. These gentle giants frequent shallow coral reefs to visit cleaning stations, where small wrasses and butterflyfish pick parasites from their skin. Unlike many other rays, they must remain in constant motion to keep oxygen-rich water flowing over their gills.
MarineFilter FeederVulnerable
- diet
- Zooplankton, krill, and small marine organisms
- family
- Myliobatidae
- threats
- Bycatch in commercial fisheries, targeted hunting for gill plates, and habitat degradation
- life Span
- 40 to 50 years
VU
Safe to observe at a normal distance; maintain space to avoid disrupting their natural swimming patterns.
Vulnerable to rapid population declines due to slow reproductive rates and pressure from commercial fisheries.
Keep a distance of at least three meters, avoid using flash photography, and never chase or corner them.- Maintain Neutral Buoyancy: Hover quietly near the seabed at cleaning stations to let them approach you.
- Do Not Touch: Touching rubs off their protective mucus layer, making them vulnerable to infections.
- Avoid Blocking Paths: Never swim directly above, below, or in the path of a moving ray.