How big is the Reef manta ray?

Reef manta ray (Mobula alfredi) reaches 300–500 cm in length.

At what depth can you find the Reef manta ray?

Reef manta ray is found between 0–400 m deep.

Where can you find the Reef manta ray?

Found in: Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea.

Reef manta ray (Mobula alfredi)

Key facts

Scientific name: Mobula alfredi
Common name: Reef manta ray
Category: Fish
Family: Mobulidae
Genus: Mobula
Size: 300–500 cm
Depth: 0–400 m
IUCN status: Vulnerable (VU)
Danger level: Harmless
Habitats: open-water, coral-reef
Behaviours: solitary, schooling
Ocean zones: Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea

Description

Mobula alfredi reaches 5 m wingspan and 1.5 tons. More coastal and smaller manta than M. birostris, dark blue-gray to black back with bordered white markings, white belly with black spots identifying each individual (photo-ID). Indo-Pacific tropical distribution (Maldives, Komodo, Mozambique, Japan, Great Barrier). Frequents cleaning stations of coral reefs, plankton feeding stations and lagoons. Listed VU. Iconic encounters Maldives (Baa Atoll twice/year hanifaru), Raja Ampat, Mexico. Gentle and curious.

Photo of Reef manta ray

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Reef manta ray?: Reef manta ray (Mobula alfredi) reaches 300–500 cm in length.
At what depth can you find the Reef manta ray?: Reef manta ray is found between 0–400 m deep.
Is the Reef manta ray dangerous to divers?: Danger level: Harmless.
What is the conservation status of the Reef manta ray?: IUCN status: Vulnerable (VU).
Where can you find the Reef manta ray?: Found in: Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea.

Other species in the genus Mobula

Other species in the family Mobulidae

Manta birostris - Giant oceanic manta ray

Sources

Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 1042871)
Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 9241141)
Conservation: IUCN Red List
Encyclopedia: Wikipedia