How big is the Giant oceanic manta ray?

Giant oceanic manta ray (Manta birostris) reaches 450–700 cm in length.

At what depth can you find the Giant oceanic manta ray?

Giant oceanic manta ray is found between 0–1000 m deep.

Where can you find the Giant oceanic manta ray?

Found in: Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea, East Atlantic, Caribbean, Macaronesia, Eastern Pacific.

Giant oceanic manta ray (Manta birostris)

Key facts

Scientific name: Manta birostris
Common name: Giant oceanic manta ray
Category: Fish
Family: Mobulidae
Genus: Manta
Size: 450–700 cm
Depth: 0–1000 m
IUCN status: Endangered (EN)
Danger level: Harmless
Habitats: open-water
Behaviours: solitary, schooling
Ocean zones: Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea, East Atlantic, Caribbean, Macaronesia, Eastern Pacific

Description

Manta birostris (synonym Mobula birostris) reaches 7 m wingspan and 2 tons, the largest ray in the world. Black back with white T-shaped markings on shoulders, white belly with individual black spots allowing photo-ID identification. Two fleshy deployable cephalic fins forming funnel to filter plankton. Circumtropical and subtropical pelagic distribution, famous aggregations at Socorro (Mexico), Galápagos, Maldives, Mozambique (Tofo), Cape Verde. IUCN Endangered. Trophy dive photo subject, moving encounter with these peaceful giants.

Photo of Giant oceanic manta ray

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Giant oceanic manta ray?: Giant oceanic manta ray (Manta birostris) reaches 450–700 cm in length.
At what depth can you find the Giant oceanic manta ray?: Giant oceanic manta ray is found between 0–1000 m deep.
Is the Giant oceanic manta ray dangerous to divers?: Danger level: Harmless.
What is the conservation status of the Giant oceanic manta ray?: IUCN status: Endangered (EN).
Where can you find the Giant oceanic manta ray?: Found in: Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea, East Atlantic, Caribbean, Macaronesia, Eastern Pacific.

Other species in the family Mobulidae

Sources

Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 105857)
Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2419163)
Conservation: IUCN Red List
Encyclopedia: Wikipedia