Giant/Oceanic Manta Rays (Manta 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 Giant Manta has fewer spots on its underside and there is more contrast in the coloration on its back. The Reef Manta Ray (Manta 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.
Giant Manta Ray Manta 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: | Manta birostris |
Size | |
Average Size: | 6 metres |