Species · GBIF taxon 9548142
Giant Oceanic Manta Ray
Mobula birostrisAlso known as Giant Manta Ray, Oceanic Manta Ray, Pelagic Manta Ray
Giant oceanic manta rays glide gracefully through the open ocean, using their massive pectoral fins like wings to fly through the water column. These gentle giants possess the largest brain-to-body ratio of any cold-blooded fish, which supports complex social behaviors and curiosity toward divers. They migrate vast distances across global oceans, visiting specialized cleaning stations along deep reefs to have parasites removed by smaller fish.
PelagicFilter FeederDeep Diver
—observations
—countries
—peak records
EndangeredConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXEndangeredRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Krill
- Copepods
- Mysid Shrimp
Predators
- Large Sharks
- Killer Whales
ThreatsTargeted fishing, bycatch in gillnets, and marine debris
HabitatsPelagic open ocean, deep coral reefs, and seamounts
Life spanUp to 40 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderMyliobatiformes
- FamilyMyliobatidae
- GenusMobula
- SpeciesMobula birostris
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
- What to notice
- Recognizable by their immense wingspan up to seven meters and a dark T-shaped marking on their back.
- Support conservation
- Support marine sanctuaries, avoid purchasing manta products, and practice passive interaction when diving.
Responsible observation
- Maintain Distance: Avoid swimming directly above or below the ray to prevent blocking its path.
- Do Not Touch: Touching can damage the protective mucus layer on their skin.
- Stay Still: Let the ray approach you out of curiosity rather than chasing it.
Frequent Companion (c) Daniel Benák, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Daniel Benák · cc-by
Symbiont Diego Delso / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative Original uploader was Bartek.cieslak at pl.wikipedia / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
Image unavailableClose Relative
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