Oceanic Manta Ray
Giant/Oceanic Manta Rays (Mobula biostris) is a very special species to encounter when scuba diving. They are large, intelligent, curious, friendly & harmless. They can grow up to 7 or more metres from wing tip to wing tip, but are normally 5-6 metres across. They are larger than Reef Manta Rays, which are a different species in the same genus (Manta). The Oceanic Manta has fewer spots on its underside and there is more contrast in the coloration on its back. The Reef Manta Ray (Mobula alfredi) has less defined colouration on its back, usually in the shape of a Y or V. The Giant Manta's back is more of a T shape, and more defined.
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Oceanic Manta Ray Mobula birostris
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| Scientific Rank | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: |
Chordata (Chordates)
Subphlum: Olfactores
Subphlum: Vertebrates
Subphlum: Gnathostomata
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| Class: |
Chondrichthyes: Cartilaginous fish
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| Order: | Myliobatiformes (Rays) |
| Family: | Mobulidae (Mobulidae) |
| Genus: | Manta (Manta) |
| Species: | Mobula birostris |
| Size | |
| Average Size: | 6 metres |
Manta Rays are sure to make any dive very special if you're lucky enough to encounter one. They are harmless to humans, inquisitive, playful and extremely intelligent. They have the largest brain to body size ratio of any fish. If you're ever lucky enough to see a Manta Ray while diving, do not approach or try to follow it. With its huge wing-like pectoral fins, it can swim much faster than you can, and it will just lead you out into the open. Then it will most likely turn around and visit your dive buddy or group. Divers should just remain at a safe depth and together. The ray will often come back to say hello again.
If some experts notice that one or more of the images on this page are of Reef Manta Rays, please contact us or comment. Our website is constantly being updated.
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