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EXPLORE > ANIMALS > FISH
Cephalopterus manta
Manta rays are large fish related to sharks, skates and other rays. There are two existing subspecies of manta rays: Manta alfredi and Manta birostris. A third subspecies, Manta hynei, went extinct millions of years ago and is known to us through the fossil record. The surviving species differ in size from 23 feet (7 meters) in width for Manta alfredi to 18 feet (5.4 meters) for Manta birostris. Other than the size difference, these manta appear very similar. Both have flat, sleek bodies with triangular pectoral fins which may resemble wings. Their bodies are typically black or dark gray above with white bellies, a form of countershading similar to other sharks and rays. Their gills are on the undersides of their bodies.
Dark spotted patterns on their bellies are unique between each manta, just like fingerprints are unique to each human being. These patterns allow scientists to visually identify individual mantas all across the ocean. Mantas will often congregate in groups or even swim with other species, including sea turtles, birds, marine mammals and other fish.
Mantas are primarily filter feeders. They are sometimes referred to as "devilfish" due to the horn-like cephalic fins (cephalic meaning head) which the fish uses to fan zooplankton into their mouths as they glide through the water. They may supplement their diets with small fish as well. They are prey animals for large sharks and orca.
Range and Habitat
Manta rays are pelagic animals, meaning they spend most of their lives in the open sea. They may migrate long distances to feed or reproduce, but are always found in warmer tropical and subtropical waters. They are often associated with coral reefs where they will stop at "cleaning stations" to allow parasites to be removed from their bodies by smaller animals just as shrimp and fish.
Conservation Status
Manta rays are currently considered a vulnerable species. Overfishing is the major threat to this species. Aside from use as a food, they are heavily harvested for Chinese medicine or as accidental bycatch for other fishing industries. Because manta have long lifespans and low reproductive rates, unsustainable fishing practices are particularly impactful on this species.
Cephalopterus manta
Manta rays are large fish related to sharks, skates and other rays. There are two existing subspecies of manta rays: Manta alfredi and Manta birostris. A third subspecies, Manta hynei, went extinct millions of years ago and is known to us through the fossil record. The surviving species differ in size from 23 feet (7 meters) in width for Manta alfredi to 18 feet (5.4 meters) for Manta birostris. Other than the size difference, these manta appear very similar. Both have flat, sleek bodies with triangular pectoral fins which may resemble wings. Their bodies are typically black or dark gray above with white bellies, a form of countershading similar to other sharks and rays. Their gills are on the undersides of their bodies.
Dark spotted patterns on their bellies are unique between each manta, just like fingerprints are unique to each human being. These patterns allow scientists to visually identify individual mantas all across the ocean. Mantas will often congregate in groups or even swim with other species, including sea turtles, birds, marine mammals and other fish.
Mantas are primarily filter feeders. They are sometimes referred to as "devilfish" due to the horn-like cephalic fins (cephalic meaning head) which the fish uses to fan zooplankton into their mouths as they glide through the water. They may supplement their diets with small fish as well. They are prey animals for large sharks and orca.
Range and Habitat
Manta rays are pelagic animals, meaning they spend most of their lives in the open sea. They may migrate long distances to feed or reproduce, but are always found in warmer tropical and subtropical waters. They are often associated with coral reefs where they will stop at "cleaning stations" to allow parasites to be removed from their bodies by smaller animals just as shrimp and fish.
Conservation Status
Manta rays are currently considered a vulnerable species. Overfishing is the major threat to this species. Aside from use as a food, they are heavily harvested for Chinese medicine or as accidental bycatch for other fishing industries. Because manta have long lifespans and low reproductive rates, unsustainable fishing practices are particularly impactful on this species.
