While this species seems more solitary than the Reef Manta Ray, Giant Manta Rays are often seen aggregating in large numbers to feed, mate, or clean. The Giant Manta Ray appears to be a seasonal visitor to coastal or offshore sites. They are also sometimes confused with the devil rays of the genus Mobula. It is difficult for a diver to distinguish between the two species.

Tourism needs to be developed responsibly, with the needs of the animals respected.īoth species of Manta are found around the globe, their ranges overlapping in some places like Mozambique. However, tourism related industries can also negatively impact individual behaviour, entire populations and critical habitat. Money made from associated tourism expenditures is put at US$140 million. A recent study estimates direct revenue to dive operators from manta ray dives and snorkels to be over US$73 million annually. More money is made from live mantas than from the dead, caught mantas. Where to dive with the Giant and Reef Mantas?ĭive tourism involving Mantas is a growing industry. Female mantas are thought to mature at around 8 to 10 years of age and to live to around 40 years.

In the wild, females bear on average only a single pup every two to three years. Monitoring and regulation of the exploitation and trade of both manta ray species is urgently needed, as well as protection of key habitats.Īnother factor which adds to the vulnerability of the Manta ray is its low reproductive rate. Products from manta rays have a high value in international markets, and targeted fisheries hunt them for their valuable gill rakers used in traditional Chinese medicine. Mantas migrate vast distances, crossing international boundaries, in search of food. Both of these species have been classified as vulnerable in the IUCN Red List. Now though, researchers have observed that there are actually two: the Reef Manta Ray ( Manta alfredi) and the Giant Manta Ray ( Manta birostris). Until recently people believed there was only one species of Manta Ray: Manta birostris. Photo by Vovo Korth Vulnerable in Spite of their Size However, Mantasīoth collaborate when feeding and follow the plankton, so Manta rays sometimes leap out of the water, falling back Filtering your food out of the oceansĭoesn't take much energy, which is why Manta rays can be Occur near the surface of the seas, that's where MantasĪre also found. Head fins to direct plankton into theur mouths. Water with steady sweeps of their giant wings.Ĭompletely harmless filter-feeders, Manta rays use their Waters around the world, gracefully flying through the Awesome to see underwater, the Giant Manta Ray is an enormousįish spanning nearly 7 m (22 feet).

Oceanic manta ray