Animal Species:Manta Ray, Manta birostris (Walbaum, 1792)

The Manta Ray is the largest species of ray in the world. Disc widths have been reliably measured up to 6.7 m, but this species possibly grows up to 9.1 m disc width.

Manta ray at North West Solitary Island

Manta ray at North West Solitary Island
Ian Shaw © Ian Shaw

Alternative Name/s

Australian Devilray, Chevron Manta, Devilfish, Giant Manta, Oceanic Manta, Pacific Manta Ray, Pelagic Manta

Identification

The Manta Ray is the largest species of ray in the world. The disc of the Manta Ray is wider than it is long. The species has one dorsal fin and a whip-like tail which lacks a sting. The surface of the body is rough to touch. They have a very broad mouth, on either side of which are prominent fleshy extensions called cephalic lobes. Manta Rays are grey-blue to green-brown above. The "shoulder region" of the disc may also have pale grey markings. The underside of the disc is white, often with grey margins.

Size range

Disc widths have been reliably measured up to 6.7 m, but this species possibly grows up to 9.1 m disc width. Individuals of 4 m disc width are relatively common.

Distribution

The Manta Ray lives in tropical, marine waters worldwide, but is also found occasionally in temperate seas. In Australia it is recorded from south-western Western Australia, around the tropical north of the country and south to the southern coast of New South Wales.

Distribution by collection data

Biomaps map of Manta Ray specimens in the Australian Museum collection.

What does this mean?

Feeding and Diet

Divers sometimes see Manta Rays swimming gracefully through the water feeding on plankton. The planktonic organisms are filtered from the water by the gills.

Other behaviours and adaptations

Despite most individuals being seen swimming slowly, the Manta Ray is capable of swimming at rapid speed. They are sometimes observed leaping out of the water and landing back on the surface with a loud slap.

Classification

Species:
birostris
Genus:
Manta
Family:
Myliobatidae
Order:
Myliobatiformes
Class:
Chondrichthyes
Subphylum:
Vertebrata
Phylum:
Chordata
Kingdom:
Animalia

What does this mean?

References

  1. Allen, G.R. 1997. Marine Fishes of Tropical Australia and South-east Asia. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 292.
  2. Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.
  3. Last, P.R. & J.D. Stevens. 1994 Sharks and Rays of Australia. CSIRO. Pp. 513.
  4. Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R. & R.C. Steene. 1997. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Crawford House Press. Pp. 557.


Mark McGrouther , Collection Manager, Ichthyology
Last Updated:

Tags fishes, ichthyology, Manta Ray, Manta birostris, Myliobatidae,