Manta Ray

A manta ray (Mobula birostris and Mobula alfredi) is a large marine ray that is known for its wide, flat body and triangular pectoral fins that resemble wings. They are the largest species of ray and are found in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide. 🌊

The manta ray has a broad, flattened body with a wide, gaping mouth on the front of its head. They have two horn-like appendages called cephalic lobes that are used to funnel food into their mouths. Unlike other rays, they do not have a stinging barb on their tail. The upper body is typically black or dark brown, and the underside is white with unique spot patterns that are used to identify individual rays.

Manta rays are found in both coastal and oceanic waters. They are filter feeders and their diet consists of plankton, fish larvae, and other tiny marine organisms. They swim with their mouths open, using their cephalic lobes to guide food into their mouths and over their gill rakers, which trap the food.

Manta rays are known for their graceful and fluid movements as they "fly" through the water by flapping their large pectoral fins. They are generally solitary but will sometimes form large feeding groups. They are considered highly intelligent and curious, and they are known to interact with divers and boats.