Reef Manta Ray

Reef Manta Ray

Mobula alfredi

Vulnerable
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DESCRIPTION

The Reef Manta Ray (Mobula alfredi) is a large filter-feeding ray found in tropical and subtropical waters, primarily around coral reefs and coastal areas. Known for its pelagic lifestyle, it feeds on zooplankton and exhibits complex social behaviors, often forming aggregations at feeding or cleaning stations. This species is listed as Vulnerable due to threats from overfishing and its slow reproductive rate.

Max Length 5.5 m
Max Weight 844 kg
Lifespan 40 - 50 years
Habitat Coastal zone, open water, and coral reef
Depth Range 0 - 672 m
Diet Planktivore
Activity Variable
Social Behavior Mixed behavour
TOP DESTINATIONS

Featured destinations to spot Reef Manta Ray

SIGHTING PROBABILITY
  • Unlikely
  • Likely
  • Very likely

Other destinations to spot Reef Manta Ray

Range

Where Reef Manta Ray has been recorded

Fewer recordsMore records
FAQ

Frequently asked questions about Reef Manta Ray

Where can you see the Reef Manta Ray?

The Reef Manta Ray can be seen at 32 dive destinations in 8 countries. The best spots include Addu Atoll (Maldives), Aliwal Shoal (South Africa), Apo Reef (Philippines), Ari Atoll (Maldives), and Baa Atoll (Maldives).

What is the best time to see the Reef Manta Ray?

Sightings of the Reef Manta Ray peak at different times depending on the destination: Aliwal Shoal from April to September, Apo Reef from November to June, Ari Atoll from May to November, and Baa Atoll from April to October.

Can you see the Reef Manta Ray all year round?

Yes. At Addu Atoll, Komodo, Lady Elliot Island, Ningaloo reef, and Nusa Penida, the Reef Manta Ray is seen all year round.

Where can you see the Reef Manta Ray in Maldives?

In Maldives, you can see the Reef Manta Ray at Addu Atoll, Ari Atoll, Baa Atoll, Hanifaru Bay, North Male Atoll, and South Ari Atoll.

Where can you see the Reef Manta Ray in Australia?

In Australia, you can see the Reef Manta Ray at Great Barrier Reef, Lady Elliot Island, Ningaloo reef, and Ribbon Reefs.

Where can you see the Reef Manta Ray in Thailand?

In Thailand, you can see the Reef Manta Ray at Koh Lipe, Koh Tao, Richelieu Rock, and Similan Islands.

How big does the Reef Manta Ray get?

The Reef Manta Ray can reach up to 5.5 m in length and 844 kg in weight.

What habitat does the Reef Manta Ray live in?

The Reef Manta Ray is found in these habitats: coastal zone, open water, and coral reef.

How deep does the Reef Manta Ray live?

The Reef Manta Ray lives from the surface down to 672 m.

What does the Reef Manta Ray eat?

Lives on plankton, picking drifting animals and larvae out of the water column.

When is the Reef Manta Ray most active?

Its rhythm shifts with the season, the tide or the region, so the same species may be active by day in one place and by night in another.

How long does the Reef Manta Ray live?

The Reef Manta Ray lives 40 to 50 years.

What is the conservation status of the Reef Manta Ray?

The Reef Manta Ray is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Every answer is built from the conditions and sightings data we keep for Reef Manta Ray. Spotted something that looks off?

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