Giant manta ray (Mobula birostris)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Mobula birostris
- Common name
- Giant manta ray
- Category
- Fish
- Family
- Mobulidae
- Genus
- Mobula
- Size
- 400–700 cm
- Depth
- 0–1000 m
- IUCN status
- Endangered (EN)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- open-water
- Behaviours
- pelagic, solitary
- Ocean zones
- Asian Pacific, Caribbean, Eastern Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea, Macaronesia
Description
Mobula birostris (formerly Manta birostris) reaches 7 m wingspan and 2 tons, world's largest ray. Pelagic circumtropical manta ray (Mobulidae) with diamond-shaped body black above with characteristic white spots for individual ID, white below, highly developed cephalic horns. Lives from 0 to 1000 m in pelagic open water, migratory. Feeds on zooplankton by filter feeding, often in chain formations. IUCN Endangered. Ultimate dive photo subject at Socorro, Maldives, Galapagos, Palau. Memorable and moving encounter.
Photo of Giant manta ray
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Giant manta ray?
- Giant manta ray (Mobula birostris) reaches 400–700 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Giant manta ray?
- Giant manta ray is found between 0–1000 m deep.
- Is the Giant manta ray dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Giant manta ray?
- IUCN status: Endangered (EN).
- Where can you find the Giant manta ray?
- Found in: Asian Pacific, Caribbean, Eastern Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea, Macaronesia.
Other species in the genus Mobula
- Mobula tarapacana - Sicklefin devil ray
- Mobula mobular - Giant devil ray
- Mobula alfredi - Reef manta ray
- Mobula munkiana - Munk's devil ray
- Mobula thurstoni - Bentfin devil ray
Other species in the family Mobulidae
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 1026118)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 9548142)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia