©asands from London, UK
©Ahmed Abdul Rahman
©Geoffrey: Reef Manta Ray (Mobula alfredi) being cleaned by Moon Wrasse and Cleaner Fish over a coral bommie.
Colours
Distinguishing features
Manta Rays are clearly identifiable by the large flaps that can unroll at either side of their mouth opening. They are also identifiable from many other rays by the pointed tips on their "wings". They are normally dark on the upperside and white with individual dark markings on their undersides. Some, however, are completely black above and underneath and rare specimens have been observed to be white on the upper and lower sides.
Size
- Up to 500 cm (WD - Wingtip to Wingtip) - applies to Males
Wingspan
- Up to 550 cm - applies to Typical wingspans are 3-4 metres with maximum wingspans been around 5-6 metres.
Depth range
- Depth range data is not yet available.
Synonyms
Comments
Only one species of manta ray, Manta birostris, was recognised until 2009 when Marshall et al resurrected Mobula alfredi from its synonymy. Both species are now in genus Mobula rather than Manta.
by Anne Hoggett
Interesting facts
- The status of the reef manta ray as a separate species was only confirmed in 2009. Previously they were grouped with Mobula birostris.
Distribution
©Atlas of Living Australia: Australian distribution
Local abundance
- Lizard Island: Mantas are usually seen around Lizard island between about October and April. Snake Pit seems to be a cleaning station for them.
Behaviour
From the surface, Manta alfredi can be observed with their wingtips breaking through the water as they cruise along current lines, feeding.
Web resources
Danger
- not dangerous - The tail has no venomous spines.
References
- Marshall, A.D., L.J.V. Compagno and M.B. Bennett (2009). Redescription of the genus Manta with resurrection of Manta alfredi (Krefft, 1868) (Chondrichthyes; Myliobatoidei; Mobulidae), Zootaxa, 2301: 1-28. LIRS catalog number 90166.