They have a particularly strong swimming ability and can travel long distances across open waters, migrating seasonally based on water temperature. Spotted Eagle Rays are found in warm and temperate waters. Spotted Eagle Ray Dance with me: Spotted Eagle Rays are known for their underwater acrobatics. Today, the Reef Manta is classed as a vulnerable species due to entanglement, plastic pollution and illegal fishing operations. This species of ray is found in the tropical waters of the Indian, Pacific and Atlantic oceans near coral reefs around islands and atolls. Much like the Oceanic Manta, Reef Manta’s also have horns used to feed on plankton. The most common color of a Reef Manta Ray is either black or dark grey, with a white underside. The Reef Manta’s upper body has a small dorsal fin, which from the surface can easily be mistaken for a Dolphin or Shark. Often referred to as ‘Birds of the Sea’ their two triangular pectoral fins resemble the wings of a bird. The Reef Manta Ray is the worlds second-largest species of ray, and has a wingspan of approximately 14ft. Reef Manta Ray Spot the difference: Reef Manta’s are significantly smaller than their Oceanic cousins. Shop our Manta Ray Necklace and help support ocean conservation efforts now. However, human factors such as unsustainable fishing and an ever increasing demand for their body parts has led the Oceanic Manta Ray to become the first manta ray to be listed as an endangered species. Oceanic Manta Rays have a lifespan of around 15-20 years and are mostly preyed upon by Sharks and Killer Whales. The Mantas use these areas as both feeding and cleaning stations. Oceanic Mantas are often found congregating on reefs particularly susceptible current, which attract schooling fish and plankton. These are used to funnel plankton - a Manta Rays favourite snack! With so many different types of rays, it can be hard to tell them apart but one of the main distinguishable features of the Oceanic Manta Ray are the horns located either side of their huge mouths. Oceanic Mantas inhabit warm tropical waters worldwide, and spend most of their time between the surface and approximately 400ft deep.Īpart from their size, the Oceanic Manta Ray is distinguished by the markings on their backs, which include large black and white patches mostly above their shoulders. The Oceanic Manta Ray is the largest ray species in the world.įrom wing tip to wing tip, they can grow to at least 23ft and weigh up to an impressive 4,000 pounds! Oceanic Manta Ray Photo by Shawn Heinrichs | The great Oceanic Manta is the oceans gentle giant. We take a look at 10 individual types of rays (Batoidea) with photos, to help get to know them better. Eyes that are normally located on the top of their heads. Flat disc-like bodies and a long whip-like tail.Ģ. With over 600 species of rays in existence, it can be hard to spot the difference.Ĭommon similarities amongst the different species include:ġ. Share this image on your site Please include attribution to with this image.
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