Reef manta rays prefer more tropical waters and stay closer to shore, oftentimes having populations focused around a single island. The giant manta ray migrates more than its smaller counterparts, and is more widely distributed thanks to its greater tolerance for cold, deep water. Manta rays live around the world in tropical to temperate waters. The CITES listing was a positive step in the right direction, but mantas need greater protection as habitat loss and overfishing continue to threaten their existence. In 2013, the United States supported the successful listing of all manta ray species under the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES) Appendix II, which regulates but doesn’t ban trade. Scientists believe that many of the manta rays that they originally considered giant manta rays are actually a similar, but genetically and physically distinct third species, tentatively described as the Caribbean manta ray.Įarlier this year, Defenders of Wildlife submitted a petition to the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) asking the agency to protect the giant manta ray, reef manta ray, and Caribbean manta ray (all known manta ray species) by listing them as endangered, or at least as threatened, under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). While the Caribbean and reef manta rays are slightly smaller, they are still massive, and can reach more than 16 feet wide and 3,000 pounds. Three different species – all needing protectionĪs its name suggests, the giant manta ray is the biggest ray out there. Scientists’ best guess puts a manta ray’s lifespan at 40-50 years, but, as scientific tracking of individuals increases, we could find that the massive fish live as long as 100 years. Though enormous, these planktivores are truly gentle giants. Disproportionately large as compared to the rest of its body, a manta ray’s brain more closely resembles that of an equally large mammal. Manta rays have the biggest brain of any fish, so underwater genius is more like it. Be respectful, be attentive and monitor your surroundings, and you’ll be safe.Defenders calls for Endangered Species Act protection for all three species of manta raysĪt up to 23 feet wide and 5,300 pounds, calling a manta ray “giant” is an understatement. An encounter with a manta ray can be one of the most thrilling wildlife experiences anybody can hope to experience. Yet, this does not make them dangerous.Īs a species, manta ray are not only safe to be in the water with, but are also friendly and fantastic to be near. While they won’t eat or sting you, you should always be careful around large animals like manta rays, because accidents can happen and both parties can end up injured if you don’t consider the impact of your encounter. Only large sharks and killer whales are known to eat manta ray, and this is rare. Why don’t manta rays have stinging tails? Probably because they have very few predators. It is thought that this an evolutionary remnant of when manta rays and stingrays were part of the same species, but over time have branched off from one another. Their tail may look similar to a stingray tail but does not serve any purpose. They do not have stinging tails or barbs. Manta rays belong to the same family of animals as the stingray, but they are not stingrays. Manta rays can be intimidating animals to encounter because of their size and curiosity (not to mention their enormous mouths) but they should be considered as harmless as a whale. These gentle giants are filter feeders, gliding through the ocean on their massive wings feeding on microscopic plankton near the surface of the water.

They are calm and delicate animals with no aggressive behaviours and are not predatory in nature. Divers and snorkelers that swim with manta ray should be prepared for the giants of the ocean to get close.īut is that a risk? Are Manta Rays Dangerous? Manta rays are known for their curiosity and close interactions with humans. They are fast, agile and confident animals. A close relation to the shark, manta rays are massive flat fish that have wide-yawning mouths capable of consuming vast amounts of food - around 5 kilos per day. At 1,600kg in weight, and with a nine-metre wingspan, these enormous creatures absolutely dwarf a fully grown adult. Manta rays are one of the largest creatures in the ocean.

Are manta rays dangerous