Manta rays possess one of the highest brain-to-body mass ratios among fish.

Giant Manta Ray (Mobula birostris)

The giant manta ray (Mobula birostris) is the largest ray species on Earth. Its enormous wing-like body can reach an average width of around 22 feet, while exceptional individuals have been recorded with spans approaching 30 feet.

This species is easily recognized by its huge triangular pectoral fins that curve backward like wings. On both sides of its mouth are specialized cephalic fins, which can unfold and adjust their position to guide plankton-filled water into the mouth.

Giant manta rays are usually dark-colored on their upper surface and pale underneath. However, many individuals display unique patterns, including lighter markings on the back or darker spots on the underside. These natural patterns are different for every manta ray and can be used to identify individual animals.

They move through the ocean by gracefully flapping their large fins, often swimming in groups. These rays are also known to leap completely out of the water, a behavior that may be related to communication, courtship, or play.

Classification

Order: Myliobatiformes
Family: Mobulidae
Genus: Mobula
Species: birostris

Common Names

The giant manta ray has many common names around the world.

English names include:

Manta ray
Atlantic manta
Australian devilray
Blanketfish
Devil ray
Devilfish
Eagle ray
Giant devil ray
Giant manta
Giant Atlantic manta
Great devilfish
Pacific manta
Sea devil
Skeete
Prince Alfred’s ray

Other languages also have their own names for this species, including:

Diable de mer (French)
Duivelsrog (Dutch)
Jamanta (Portuguese)
Manta (Italian)
Manta Atlantica (Spanish)
Oni-itomaki-ei (Japanese)
Teufelsrochen (German)
Urjamanta (Portuguese)

Importance to Humans

Historically, Mobula birostris has been captured in tropical regions of the Americas. In the past, commercial hunting occurred in Australian and Californian waters, mainly for obtaining liver oil and using the skin as an abrasive material.

Today, targeted hunting of manta rays is uncommon. However, manta meat is still considered a delicacy in some areas, including the Philippines.

Manta rays have become extremely valuable to the diving tourism industry because they are often encountered in predictable locations and may approach divers closely.

However, in places where people frequently touch or interact with manta rays, the animals may suffer damage. Removing their protective mucus coating can cause skin problems and increase the risk of infection.

Danger to Humans

Giant manta rays pose almost no threat to humans. They are considered harmless and are not aggressive toward people.

Conservation Status

The conservation status of the giant manta ray is evaluated by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

The IUCN is an international organization made up of governments, agencies, and conservation groups that evaluates the extinction risk and conservation needs of species worldwide.

Geographic Distribution

The giant manta ray lives in tropical, subtropical, and temperate oceans around the world.

Its range generally extends between approximately 35° north and 35° south latitude.

In the western Atlantic Ocean, it can be found from:

South Carolina in the United States
Southern Brazil
Bermuda

Occasional sightings have also occurred as far north as New Jersey and San Diego.

Other regions where this species occurs include:

Eastern Africa
Gulf of Aden
Red Sea
Arabian Sea
Bay of Bengal
Indo-Pacific waters

Habitat

The habitat of Mobula birostris ranges from coastal areas to open ocean environments.

These rays are commonly found:

Along continental shelves
Near coral reefs
Around offshore islands
In surface and mid-water areas of lagoons and reefs

They swim by moving their large pectoral fins in a wing-like motion and may occasionally travel into cooler temperate waters.

Giant manta rays are sometimes seen gathering in loose groups and spend much of their time near the ocean surface.

They are famous for breaching behavior, where they jump completely above the water before crashing back down.

Scientists have observed several types of jumps:

Forward leaps landing head first
Forward leaps landing tail first
Somersault-style jumps

Groups of manta rays may perform these behaviors one after another.

Although the exact reason remains uncertain, researchers believe breaching may help attract mates, communicate with other rays, or simply represent playful behavior.

Biology

Distinctive Features

Adult giant manta rays are easily identified by their enormous triangular pectoral fins and their unique cephalic fins.

The cephalic fins are extensions of the front edges of the pectoral fins and are located on both sides of the head. Each fin is approximately twice as long as its width at the base.

When swimming, these fins are often rolled into spiral shapes. During feeding, they unfold and help direct water into the mouth.

This species has:

Smooth skin
A broad rectangular mouth located at the front of the head
A tail without a venomous spine

Unlike many related mobulid rays, the manta ray’s mouth is positioned at the very front of the head rather than underneath.

The eyes and spiracles are located on the sides of the head, while the gill openings are located on the underside.

The body disc is about 2.2 times wider than its length when the cephalic fins are excluded.

The tail is slightly flattened and is shorter than the width of the body disc.

The head has a slightly curved shape between the cephalic fins, creating a shallow triangular area at the front.

A dorsal fin is located just before the pectoral fin axis, with a height approximately 83% of its base length.

Coloration

Every giant manta ray has a unique pattern of colors on both the upper and lower surfaces of its body.

Typical coloration includes:

Dark brown
Gray-blue
Black upper surfaces
Pale edges
White underside

Some individuals have additional pale markings on their backs or dark patches underneath.

Because these patterns differ between individuals, scientists use them to recognize and track specific manta rays.

Teeth

Unlike many predatory rays, giant manta rays have very small teeth only on the lower jaw.

The center of the lower jaw contains approximately 18 rows of teeth, while the number decreases toward the corners of the mouth, where only about 12–14 rows remain.