Manta rays are large rays belonging to the genus Manta. source
Manta rays are large rays belonging to the genus Manta.
The larger species, Manta ray (birostris), reaches 7 m (23 ft 0 in) in width. source
The larger species, Manta ray (birostris), reaches 7 m (23 ft 0 in) in width.
The smaller Manta ray (alfredi), reaches 5.5 m (18 ft 1 in). source
The smaller Manta ray (alfredi), reaches 5.5 m (18 ft 1 in).
Mantas ray (birostris and alfredi) are placed in the family Myliobatidae (eagle rays). source
Mantas ray (birostris and alfredi) are placed in the family Myliobatidae (eagle rays).
Mantas ray are found in temperate, subtropical and tropical waters. source
Mantas ray are found in temperate, subtropical and tropical waters.
Both species are pelagic; Manta ray (birostris and alfredi) migrates across open oceans, singly or in groups, source
Both species are pelagic; Manta ray (birostris and alfredi) migrates across open oceans, singly or in groups,
Mantas ray (birostrisand alfredi) are filter feeders and eat large quantities of zooplankton. source
Mantas ray (birostrisand alfredi) are filter feeders and eat large quantities of zooplankton.
Mantas ray (birostrisand alfredi) swallow with their open mouths as they swim. source
Mantas ray (birostrisand alfredi) swallow with their open mouths as they swim.
Manta ray Gestation lasts over a year, producing live pups. source
Manta ray Gestation lasts over a year, producing live pups.
Mantas ray may visit cleaning stations for the removal of parasites. Like whales, they breach, for unknown reasons. source
Mantas ray may visit cleaning stations for the removal of parasites. Like whales, they breach, for unknown reasons.
The name "manta" is Portuguese and Spanish for mantle (cloak or blanket), a type of blanket-shaped trap traditionally used to catch rays. source
The name "manta" is Portuguese and Spanish for mantle (cloak or blanket), a type of blanket-shaped trap traditionally used to catch rays.
Mantas ray are known as "devilfish" because of their horn-shaped cephalic fins, which are imagined to give them an "evil" appearance. source
Mantas ray are known as "devilfish" because of their horn-shaped cephalic fins, which are imagined to give them an "evil" appearance.
Female mantas ray appear to mature at 8–10 years. source
Female mantas ray appear to mature at 8–10 years.
Manta rays may live for as long as 50 years. source
Manta rays may live for as long as 50 years.
Swimming behavior in mantas ray differs across habitats: when travelling over deep water, they swim at a constant rate in a straight line. source
Swimming behavior in mantas ray differs across habitats: when travelling over deep water, they swim at a constant rate in a straight line.
In 2011, mantas became strictly protected in international waters because of their inclusion in the Convention on Migratory Species of Wild Animals. source
In 2011, mantas became strictly protected in international waters because of their inclusion in the Convention on Migratory Species of Wild Animals.
Sites at which manta rays congregate attract tourists, and manta viewing generates substantial annual revenue for local communities. source
Sites at which manta rays congregate attract tourists, and manta viewing generates substantial annual revenue for local communities.