Reef manta ray

Fish

Gliding effortlessly through tropical waters, the reef manta ray is one of the ocean’s most majestic creatures. With a wingspan that can reach up to five meters (16 feet), these gentle giants move with a mesmerizing elegance, soaring through the sea as they filter-feed on plankton. Unlike stingrays, they lack a venomous barb, making them completely harmless to humans.

Whether spotted gliding over a coral reef or performing acrobatic breaches, the reef manta ray is a true icon of the underwater world, reminding us of the beauty and mystery hidden beneath the waves.

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SCIENTIFIC NAME:

Mobula alfredi

FAMILY:

Mobulidae

NATIONAL CONSERVATION STATUS:

Vulnerable

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Fun Fact:

Highly intelligent and social, reef mantas are often seen gathering at cleaning stations, where tiny fish remove parasites from their skin. They also put on spectacular aerial displays, leaping out of the water in dramatic flips and spins—scientists believe this might be a form of communication or play.