Ocean Voyager

Manta ray

(Manta birostris)

The manta ray has a unique body shape that includes an extremely broad head with an enormous, wide mouth flanked by two broad, flexible, fleshy cephalic lobes. Its upper body surface is predominantly black in color with some white or gray markings. Its underside is white. This is the largest of all rays weighing up to 6000 lbs. and growing to an average “wing span” of 13 feet as an adult. At birth, the width of its wings is about 5 feet. The maximum known width of a manta is 26 feet.

The manta ray is primarily a plankton feeder, but also consumes small and moderate-sized fishes. During feeding the manta ray repeatedly executes reverse somersaults under water and also occasionally breaks the surface. This species does not have a stinging spine and is generally harmless to humans.

Learn more about the Aquarium's manta ray, Nandi, and her journey from South Africa to Georgia Aquarium!

Admire the largest species of ray as it glides above you in the Ocean Voyager Gallery.

Fun Facts

• The only natural enemies of the manta ray are large sharks and people.
• The manta ray also is called the “devil ray” because when rolled and projected forward, the cephalic lobes have the appearance of horns.
• Fishing pressure and by-catch in drift and set nets are depleting populations of manta rays.
• The manta has up to 300 rows of tiny teeth on the front of the lower jaw, but these teeth are non-functional.
• The female manta ray gives birth to one and sometimes two live pups at a time. Their wings are folded around their body to allow easier delivery.
• Download full fact sheet

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