Reef Manta Rays are very popular with scuba divers. They are large, intelligent, curious, friendly and harmless. They can grow up to 5 metres from wing tip to wing tip, but are normally 3 metres across. Large individuals are often mistaken to be Oceanic Manta Rays, which are a different species in the same genus (Manta). The Reef Manta has more spots on its underside and there is less contrast in the coloration on its back. The Oceanic/Giant Manta Ray (Manta birostris) has more defined colouration on its back, usually in the shape of a T. The Reef Manta's back is more of a V or Y shape, and less defined.
Reef Manta Ray Manta alfredi
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Scientific Rank | |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: |
Chordata (Chordates)
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Class: |
Chondrichthyes: Cartilaginous fish
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Order: | Myliobatiformes (Rays) |
Family: | Mobulidae (Mobulidae) |
Genus: | Manta (Manta) |
Species: | Manta alfredi |
Size | |
Average Size: | 3 metres - 5 metres |