Giant Oceanic Manta Ray

Giant Oceanic Manta Ray
Name: Giant Oceanic Manta Ray
Scientific Name: Mobula birostris
Family: Devil Rays
Taxonomic: Myliobatidae
ID Group: Rays, Sharks, Dolphins, Turtles
Size: 6 - 16 ft.
Depth Range: In shallow waters (0 – 15 ft.)
Sightings: Seen very rarely

This Ray has a black mouth at the front of its head. Its back is mostly black, with white markings near the shoulders. The underside is white with black spots near the gills, which vary in shape. The edges of the underside are often darker.

The Giant Manta is often seen near the surface, filtering plankton with its open mouth.