Reef Manta Ray

• Has a broad head with an enormous wide mouth flanked by two broad, flexible, fleshy lobes (cephalic fins). These lobes are usually kept rolled and pointed forward, can be seen unrolling lobes when eating.
• Cephalic lobes are also used in communication and courtship behaviors.
• The maximum adult size is about 18 feet (5 m) (wingspan).
• This species of manta may show great variation in pattern, but generally can be described as such:
  • Dorsal surface is dark in color with lighter shoulder patches. The shoulder patches of M. alfredi are less defined, and more mottled than those of M. birostris.
  • The underside is mostly white, dotted with black or charcoal spots. It lacks the dark border present on the ventral surface or M. birostris.
  • Patterns on the shoulders and underside exhibit vary and help identify individual animals.
• Dermal denticles on skin are evenly spaced but not arranged in a linear pattern.
• Mouth is white to pale grey.
• Tail is whip-like but has no barb or bony mass at the base. This is an identifying feature of this species.
• Have 6-8 rows of teeth on the center of the lower jaw.

• Primarily a plankton feeder but also consumes small fishes.
• Its two cephalic lobes are unrolled and held at a downward angle to create a funnel guiding prey into its mouth.
• Feeds near or at the surface where plankton accumulates, frequently around reefs. The prey that enters the mouth is filtered from the water by the gill rakers (filter plates), located on the internal gill arches, and then swallowed.
• During feeding, the reef manta ray may repeatedly somersault underwater and also occasionally break the surface. It also feeds in a horizontal orientation.

• Occurs in warm temperate and tropical waters of the far Eastern Atlantic and the Indo-West Pacific, and is widespread in the Indian Ocean.
• Frequently observed around reefs, atolls, island groups and continental shelves with consistent upwelling currents.

• Female gives birth to one or two live young. The pups are born with their wings folded around their body to allow easier passage through the birth canal.
• Manta ray is ovoviviparous, meaning that the embryo develops within eggs retained in the mother’s uterus. The embryo is nourished by its egg’s small yolk but also receives nourishment from the mother through small projections in the uterus called “villi” or trophonemata.

• “Vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List.

• Manta rays have been observed jumping out of the water, mainly in spring and autumn. This seems to be associated with mating displays, although it may also be social behavior or actions related to dislodging skin parasites.
• The name “manta” comes from the Latin mantum, meaning cloak or veil.
• Fishing pressure and bycatch in drift and set nets are depleting local populations.
• It is harpooned and harvested in some areas for its meat, skin and oil-rich liver.
• The branchial arches of the gills are dried and used in Asian medicine. This contributes to additional harvesting.
• The only natural predators of the manta ray are large sharks and humans.

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