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Manta ray
Manta birostris
The giant manta's wings may reach an amazing 8m (26ft) in width. They are sometimes known as devil rays for the horn-shaped flaps on either side of the head, used to funnel plankton into their cavernous mouths.
Subspecies
The mantas belong to the same family as the eagle rays. Subspecies include the giant manta ray Manta birostris, and smaller 'devil rays', Mobula spp.
Statistics
Giant mantas can reach around 8m (26ft) and weigh 3000kg (6600lb). Smaller species can be about 60cm (2ft) in length.
Physical Description
Manta rays are flat with fleshy, enlarged pectoral fins which form an angular, diamond-like shape. They have a distinct head, with a long, whiplike tail. They have additional, cephalic fins on the head that may be large and elongated in some species and are used in feeding. They are brown to black in colour, with a white/grey underside.
Distribution
They are found worldwide.
Habitat
Manta rays inhabit warm waters along continents and islands and well out at sea. They are often found around oceanic sea mounds where they feed.
Diet
As filter feeders, mantas guide plankton and small fishes into their mouths with their cephalic fins.
Behaviour
They swim at or near the surface, propelling themselves by flapping their pectoral fins and, at times, leaping or somersaulting out of the water. Mantas sometimes twist their cephalic fins, beside the mouth, into tight points that resemble horns and give them their alternative name of devil rays.
They are often accompanied by smaller remora fish that cling to the manta, feeding on its parasites.
Reproduction
They have one clear spawning peak per year. They are ovoviviparous, giving birth to live young which are nourished by a yolk sac, rather than a placenta. The female bears one or two 'pups', depending on the species.
Conservation status
They are not on the IUCN Red List. Occasionally they are hunted for sport but they are not easily landed.
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