ANIMAL SPECIES:Manta Ray, Manta birostris (Donndorff, 1798)
The Manta Ray is the largest species of ray in the world. Disc widths have been reliably measured up to 6.7 m, but this species possibly grows up to 9.1 m disc width. The species has one dorsal fin and a whip-like tail which lacks a sting. Manta Rays have a very broad mouth, on either side of which are prominent fleshy extensions called cephalic lobes.
Identification
The Manta Ray is the largest species of ray in the world. The disc of the Manta Ray is wider than it is long.
The species has one dorsal fin and a whip-like tail which lacks a sting. The surface of the body is rough to touch. They have a very broad mouth, on either side of which are prominent fleshy extensions called cephalic lobes.
Manta Rays are grey-blue to green-brown above. The "shoulder region" of the disc may also have pale grey markings. The underside of the disc is white, often with grey margins.
Size range
Disc widths have been reliably measured up to 6.7 m, but this species possibly grows up to 9.1 m disc width. Individuals of 4 m disc width are relatively common.Distribution
The Manta Ray lives in tropical, marine waters worldwide, but is also found occasionally in temperate seas.
In Australia it is recorded from south-western Western Australia, around the tropical north of the country and south to the southern coast of New South Wales.
Distribution by collection data
Biomaps map of Manta Ray specimens in the Australian Museum collection.
Behaviour and adaptations
Feeding and Diet
Divers sometimes see Manta Rays swimming gracefully through the water feeding on plankton. The planktonic organisms are filtered from the water by the gills.
Other behaviours and adaptations
Despite most individuals being seen swimming slowly, the Manta Ray is capable of swimming at rapid speed. They are sometimes observed leaping out of the water and landing back on the surface with a loud slap.
Classification
- Species:
- birostris
- Genus:
- Manta
- Family:
- Myliobatidae
- Class:
- Chondrichthyes
- Subphylum:
- Vertebrata
- Phylum:
- Chordata
- Kingdom:
- Animalia
References
- Allen, G.R. 1997. Marine Fishes of Tropical Australia and South-east Asia. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 292.
- Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.
- Last, P.R. & J.D. Stevens. 1994 Sharks and Rays of Australia. CSIRO. Pp. 513.
- Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R. & R.C. Steene. 1997. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Crawford House Press. Pp. 557.
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Manta ray at North West Solitary Island View full size
Ian Shaw
© Ian Shaw
Manta Ray, Manta birostris View full size
Ian Shaw
© Ian Shaw
Manta Ray teeth View full size
Mark McGrouther
© Australian Museum
Manta Ray Scales / Thorns View full size
Sue Lindsay
© Australian Museum
Dorsal view of Manta Ray scales / thorns View full size
Sue Lindsay
© Australian Museum
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