These fish can be immense, and the wingspan of the largest of the two. The curved cephalic fins give a devil horn-like appearance to the rays.
![manta ray size manta ray size](https://defenders.org/sites/default/files/magazine-summer-2016-giant-manta-ray-jones-shimlock-secret-sea-visions-dpc.jpg)
Those nicknames come from the horn-shaped fins on their face, called cephalic fins. It is a real pleasure to dive, swim or snorkel with these giant rays! Where to dive or Swim with Manta Rays?įind below the best places where to dive or to snorkel with these giant creatures. Manta rays, also known as devil rays, or devilfish, are large members of the eagle ray family. Despite being protected by law, manta rays are still hunted in countries like the Philippines, Indonesia, Borneo, Papua and in any other countries where mantas are found. The surviving species differ in size from 23 feet (7 meters) in width for Manta alfredi to 18 feet (5.4 meters) for Manta birostris. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) declared giant manta rays as ’vulnerable’in 2011. They can also be found in the temperate waters of Southern California and Rhode Island of Unites States and in Japan. From the tip of one fin to the other, a manta ray can stretch seven meters wide. Manta Rays are generally found in warm waters across the planet. Mantas also often come to cleaning stations of the reef, wherein divers can observe them at close range. It also often swims near the water surface and will sometimes make dramatic and striking leaps into the air! When it feeds, it glides through the water with ease using its protruding flaps on each side of the head to direct food into the mouth. Ecologyīeing a plankton feeder fish, the Manta Ray is an occasional visitor to plankton-rich areas of the reef. Their color is generally white and grey but black Mantas can also be found. They can sometimes even jump out of the water to get rid off their parasites! They are usually very curious and swim around the divers. Inspired by the oceans most effortless swimmers, the Manta Ray fin was designed to replicate the bio-mechanics of marine animals. They are even harmless and can’t hurt any diver or swimmer. Their size can reach up to 9 meters and can weight up to 2 tons.
![manta ray size manta ray size](http://img.metro.co.uk/i/pix/2010/05/24/article-1274726923436-09BA636B000005DC-397875_636x365.jpg)
![manta ray size manta ray size](https://i.natgeofe.com/n/659a117a-2aac-4fea-b7c0-d02c9e9c83a5/01-manta-rays-nationalgeographic_2166294.jpg)
Its dorsal surface is darkish with pale markings. However, Manta Rays do not have spine on its tail bases. These animals also possess venomous spines that can inflict wounds, thus, making them dangerous. Description and factsĪll rays have flattened and often kite-shaped bodies. It might be the biggest ray in the planet, but it is considered harmless. These rays are also sometimes called “Devil Rays” because of its two horn-like flaps in its mouth. One of the best experience a diver could probably have is to dive with the Manta Rays.