Giant Oceanic Manta Ray

Giant Oceanic Manta Ray

Mobula birostris

Endangered
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DESCRIPTION

The Giant Oceanic Manta Ray is the world's largest ray, with a disc width that can reach up to 9 meters. It is a circumglobal species found in tropical to temperate pelagic waters, often near coastlines, reefs, and in the open ocean, diving to depths of 1,000 meters. These filter feeders primarily consume zooplankton, including mesopelagic sources, and can also eat small fish. While generally solitary, they aggregate at feeding grounds and cleaning stations. The species is currently listed as Endangered due to overfishing and low reproductive rates.

Max Length 9 m
Max Weight 3 t
Lifespan Up to 50 years
Habitat Seabed, coastal zone, deep water, open water, and coral reef
Depth Range 0 - 1000 m
Diet Filter feeder
Activity Variable
Social Behavior Mixed behavour
TOP DESTINATIONS

Featured destinations to spot Giant Oceanic Manta Ray

SIGHTING PROBABILITY
  • Unlikely
  • Likely
  • Very likely

Other destinations to spot Giant Oceanic Manta Ray

Range

Where Giant Oceanic Manta Ray has been recorded

Fewer recordsMore records
FAQ

Frequently asked questions about Giant Oceanic Manta Ray

Where can you see the Giant Oceanic Manta Ray?

The Giant Oceanic Manta Ray can be seen at 33 dive destinations in 10 countries. The best spots include Addu Atoll (Maldives), Aliwal Shoal (South Africa), Baja California Sur (Mexico), Fuvahmulah (Maldives), and Galapagos Islands (Ecuador).

What is the best time to see the Giant Oceanic Manta Ray?

Sightings of the Giant Oceanic Manta Ray peak at different times depending on the destination: Addu Atoll from March to April, Aliwal Shoal from April to September, Baja California Sur from April to October, and Fuvahmulah from March to July.

Can you see the Giant Oceanic Manta Ray all year round?

Yes. At Revillagigedo Islands and Socorro Islands, the Giant Oceanic Manta Ray is seen all year round.

Where can you see the Giant Oceanic Manta Ray in Mexico?

In Mexico, you can see the Giant Oceanic Manta Ray at Baja California Sur, Isla Mujeres, Revillagigedo Islands, Socorro Islands, and Holbox.

Where can you see the Giant Oceanic Manta Ray in Ecuador?

In Ecuador, you can see the Giant Oceanic Manta Ray at Galapagos Islands, Gordon Rocks, Kicker Rock, and Punta Vicente Roca.

Where can you see the Giant Oceanic Manta Ray in Indonesia?

In Indonesia, you can see the Giant Oceanic Manta Ray at Komodo, Nusa Penida, and Raja Ampat.

How big does the Giant Oceanic Manta Ray get?

The Giant Oceanic Manta Ray can reach up to 9 m in length and 3 t in weight.

What habitat does the Giant Oceanic Manta Ray live in?

The Giant Oceanic Manta Ray is found in these habitats: seabed, coastal zone, deep water, open water, and coral reef.

How deep does the Giant Oceanic Manta Ray live?

The Giant Oceanic Manta Ray lives from the surface down to 1000 m.

What does the Giant Oceanic Manta Ray eat?

Strains plankton and tiny particles straight out of the water as it swims.

When is the Giant Oceanic 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 Giant Oceanic Manta Ray live?

The Giant Oceanic Manta Ray lives up to 50 years.

What is the conservation status of the Giant Oceanic Manta Ray?

The Giant Oceanic Manta Ray is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

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

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