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 lobes (cephalic fins). Its upper body surface is black in color and its underside is white. It is the largest of all rays weighing up to 6000 lbs. (2700 kg). At birth, the width of its wings is about 5 feet (125 cm), growing to an average width of 13 feet (400 cm) as an adult. The maximum known width of a manta is 26 feet (800 cm).

The manta ray is mainly a plankton feeder, but also consumes small and moderate-sized fishes. During feeding the manta ray repeatedly somersaults under water and also occasionally breaks the surface.

This species does not have a stinging spine and is generally harmless to humans.

Admire the largest species of ray as it glides over you in the Ocean Voyager Gallery, built by Home Depot.

• 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 fins 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 manta ray gives birth to one and sometimes two live pups with curled up wings that have been folded around the pup’s body to allow easier delivery.

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