Manta Ray

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Description

Also known as Manta, Giant Manta, Atlantic Manta, Giant Atlantic Manta, Pacific Manta, Giant Devil Ray, Devil Ray and Australian Devil Ray.

Found at cleaning stations, along reef edges and at the surface.
These beautiful creatures are a threatened species.
They feed on plankton and fish larvae.
Wingspan - 670cm
Depth - 0-120m
Circumtropical


They belong to the family of Devil Rays who are identified by head fins, which when rolled up 'look like horns' and when unfurled they act like a funnel for the mouth when feeding on plankton and fish larvae. they are filter feeders,found at cleaning stations, along reef edges and at the surface.

These beautiful graceful rays are huge and awesome to see.
They can leap into the air and give a flat resounding crash as a ton of flesh hits the water. They have no teeth or grinders, no tail stinger, but rely on speed to survive. (From "The Silent World" by Jacques Cousteau)

The first time one of our son's saw this coming towards him when he was snorkelling alone by the dive boat he thought he was "DEAD MEAT"
When we surfaced and then dived down to look he knew he was safe!!

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The best place I've seen these are at Manta Point in the Maldives. Absolutely incredible! Definitely want to be wearing a wet suit though, as the plankton that they like to eat, give you a bit of a stinging!

Thanked 1 times

@scubasteve
04. Mar. 2008

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Fishy Stats

Length: 670cm
Depth: 0-120m
Found: Circumtropical
Eats: Plankton and fish larvae
Family: Manta Rays
Species: Myliobatidae

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