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Manta Ray

Manta Rays (Manta birostris) are the largest of all rays, but worry not! They are harmless, graceful swimmers. Unlike some other ray species, that have no stingers. Mantas are very, very large, commonly measuring over 20ft wide. Some individuals can reach 30ft, and weigh over 3,000lbs. They are found in tropical and temperate near-coastal waters around the world.

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Did you know Manta Rays are closely related to sharks? And like their sharkish cousins the Basking and Whale Sharks, Mantas consume very tiny creatures. They have two fins on their head that almost resemble horns (perhaps a reason for their other common name, the Devil Ray) which suck in plankton and other small sea creatures. The prey is then filtered through gill rakes and consumed. Also like the aforementioned sharks, Manta Rays have tiny teeth which are unused.

Manta Rays mate belly to belly, and are ovoviviparous. Females give birth to only 1-2 pups at a time, which are already 4ft across when born. Their age of sexual maturity and overall lifespan is unknown.

Manta Rays are basically harmless to humans, but one should be careful around them due to their large size. They are currently listed as Near Threatened by IUCN.

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  1. JonSeptember 11, 2010 at 11:16 AM

    My favorite ray. Absolutely beautiful creatures.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Wildlife PhotographerApril 2, 2012 at 2:29 AM

    Hi all,

    I read your post, and i will get good knowledge from their as well. Please continue this awesome work. Thanks a lot.....

    ReplyDelete

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