Giant Oceanic Manta Ray

Mobula birostris

The giant oceanic manta ray (Mobula birostris), often called the giant manta ray, is a large, wide‑ranging ray found in tropical and warm‑temperate seas. It is a filter feeder that consumes zooplankton and small nekton, using cephalic fins to funnel water into its mouth.

Mass (typical / record)

2.4 t

Top speed

—

Body length

4.0 m

Diet

Carnivore

Habitats

open ocean, coastal waters

IUCN: EN (Endangered)

Long misunderstood as dangerous; in reality completely harmless to humans. Indonesian fishermen once called them 'devil rays' due to cephalic fins resembling horns. Manta ray tourism is now worth hundreds of millions annually. Research suggests they may recognize themselves in…