12 Types of Manta Ray: Species, Identification, and Photos
Manta Rays usually live in warm, temperate, subtropical, and tropical waters and have the largest brain-to-body ratio among sharks, rays, and skates. Even though there are only two types of manta ray species, this animal group still exemplifies diversity. So, read on to learn more about these cartilaginous fish.
Manta Ray Classification
Manta rays are cartilaginous fish (like sharks) from the phylum Chordata and the class Chondrichthyes. They are a type of eagle rays of the Myliobatidae family.
Only two known manta species exist: the Giant Manta Ray and the Reef Manta Ray. A potential third species, the Caribbean Manta Ray, is still under research. However, the genus Mobula has eight ray species, including the two mentioned above. In addition, a previous member was recently reclassified to species status again, bringing the total number to nine species.
In the following sections, we will not only learn about the distinction between the Manta Rays but also their ray relatives, the previous members of the genus, and the third possible Manta Ray, which is still under research.
Read more: Manta Ray Facts.
12 Types of Manta Rays And Other Ray Species
Quick links to the different types of manta rays:
1. Giant Manta Ray (Mobula birostris)
The Giant Manta Ray, also known as the Oceanic Manta Ray, is the largest ray species on Earth, boasting a 23-foot wingspan.
Their vast pectoral fins create their distinctive triangular shape, with two large, horn-like fins framing their wide mouths. However, these 'horns' are cephalic fins, which give the Manta Ray its name. To distinguish them from Reef Manta Rays, Giant Manta Rays are larger and have a darker upper part with a T mark. To identify individual manta rays, scientists look at the spots underneath them.
Found in oceans worldwide, they prefer tropical, subtropical, and temperate waters, particularly favoring the open ocean over coastal areas.
Although usually solitary, giant oceanic manta rays may gather in small groups, especially when they find abundant food near oceanic islands and seamounts. They also feed on tiny marine organisms, including plankton, small fish, and crustaceans, filtering their food from the water through their gills.
Regarding their conservation status, Giant Manta Rays have been an endangered species since 20204. Their infrequent movement and philopatric nature make them susceptible to local extinction. Slow reproduction rates worsen their situation. They're also hunted for their meat and gill plates.
Even though various efforts are already protecting manta rays, threats continue to decrease their population, marking a 50-79% reduction over the past 87 years.
2. Reef Manta Ray (Mobula alfredi)
The Reef Manta Ray lives in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Its wingspan reaches up to 16 feet and sports a Y mark on its dark upper parts.
Like the previous animal discussed, these manta rays reproduce by ovoviviparity, where eggs develop inside the mother's body.
According to the latest IUCN report, reef mantas are vulnerable species5. Their habitat's isolation, slow reproduction rate, and bycatch have endangered them. The gill plate trade also accelerates the risk. Despite signs of stability in protected areas, drastic population reductions elsewhere indicate a 30-49% decline globally over three generations.
3. Caribbean Manta Ray (Mobula c.f. birostris)
Caribbean Manta Rays are putative manta ray species living in the Caribbean Sea1, the Gulf of Mexico, and along the Atlantic coast of the United States. Closely resembling a Giant Manta Ray, this third species has a T marking at the back that is tapered together at the bottom.
They primarily feed on plankton, small fish, and micro-crustaceans, which they filter from the water through their gill rakers. These rays are not solitary; they often gather in areas with abundant food or during the mating season.
4. Chilean Devil Ray (Mobula tarapacana)
The Chilean Devil Ray or Sicklefin Devil Ray lives in the warm waters of the Southeast Pacific Ocean. With 13-foot wingspans, it is among the largest rays. It can also dive 5,905 feet underwater.
Experts believe they can leap out of the water as a form of communication and parasite removal. Despite their name, these rays pose no significant threat to humans. The Chilean Devil Ray's lack of a stinging spine sets it apart from other ray species; instead, they rely on their speed and agility for defense.
According to the IUCN, they are endangered species due to similar threats faced by manta rays.
5. Lesser Devil Ray (Mobula hypostoma)
The Lesser Devil Ray or Atlantic Pygmy Devil Ray lives in the western Atlantic Ocean. It has a diamond-shaped body and a wingspan of approximately 4.26 feet. The ray's upper side is dark blue to black, while its underside is stark white, helping it blend into its natural habitat.
Lesser Devil Rays often live in shallow coastal areas and offshore waters. They are acrobatic fish that frequently leap out of the water and do a few flips before diving back in.
They are filter feeders, primarily feeding on minuscule planktonic organisms. Unfortunately, they also get entangled in fishing nets, which is why the International Union for Conservation of Nature has classified them as endangered.
6. Munk's Devil Ray (Mobula munkiana)
The Munk's Devil Ray or Smoothtail Mobula lives in the tropical and subtropical waters of the Eastern Pacific Ocean, ranging from the Gulf of California to Peru. It is one of the smallest members of the Mobula genus, with a disc width of only 3.6 feet.
However, Munk's Devil Ray has a distinct appearance. Its dorsal side is dark, with shades of blue and black, contrasting sharply with the white ventral side. The ray also has a diamond-shaped body, long pointed pectoral fins, and a short tail. IUCN gave this type of ray the Vulnerable status.
7. Devil Fish (Mobula mobular)
The Devil Fish lives in the Eastern Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea, and occasionally in the Black Sea. Its wingspan reaches 11 feet, and its large cephalic fins can fold up to resemble horns as it swims.
It is also the only ray with a spine at the base of its long tail3. Hence, the common name is Spinetail Devil Ray. As a filter feeder, it eats small fish and plankton, using efficient filter feeding to obtain its sustenance from the water. Unfortunately, this gentle giant received IUCN’s endangered species status.
8. Bentfin Devil Ray (Mobula thurstoni)
The Bentfin Devil Ray often lives in the tropical and subtropical oceans worldwide. Its wingspan reaches 6.2 feet, with distinctive bent fins streamlining its body, allowing it to move efficiently through water. Its upperparts vary from dark gray to olive-gray.
As for their conservation status, Bentfin Devil Rays have been endangered creatures since 2019.
9. Shortfin Devil Ray (Mobula kuhlii)
The Shortfin Devil Ray or Shorthorned Pygmy Devil Ray has a diamond-shaped body, short pectoral fins, and distinctive dark gray or black coloration on top with a white or cream underside. Only growing up to a maximum width of 47 inches, this small type of eagle ray lives inshore in continental coastal areas up to 160 feet in the Indo-West Pacific region from South Africa to the Solomon Islands.
Unfortunately, Shortfin Devil Rays face threats such as unintentional capture in fishing nets, habitat degradation, and pollution. As a result, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has classified them as endangered.
10. Japanese Mobula Ray (Mobula japanica)
The Japanese Mobula Ray is a frequent sight in tropical and subtropical waters. Its presence extends from the Indo-Pacific to the Eastern Atlantic Ocean. In 2017, DNA analyses say it is conspecific with Devilfish, meaning it is one and the same species.
11. Lesser Guinean Devil Ray (Mobula rochebrunei)
The Lesser Guinean Devil Ray's habitat is the Atlantic Ocean, which stretches from Mauritania to Angola along the West African coast. In 2017, experts concluded it is a junior synonym of the Lesser Devil Ray. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) no longer officially lists this ray and the previous one as its own species.
12. Longhorned Devil Ray (Mobula eregoodootenkee)
The Longhorned Devil Ray lives in the Indian and central-west Pacific Oceans, spanning from South Africa to the Philippines, northward to Vietnam, and south to Australia's northern coastline. Its brownish-gray hue and contrasting white underbelly make it easily distinguished.
It is a junior synonym of the Shortfin Devil Ray. However, a 2019 DNA analysis reconfirmed their position as separate species2. With a new scientific name of Mobula eregoodoo, the Longhorned Devil Ray has regained its species status.
| 1 | Marshall, A. D., Compagno, L. J. V., & Bennett, M. B. (2009c). Redescription of the genus Manta with resurrection of Manta alfredi (Krefft, 1868) (Chondrichthyes; Myliobatoidei; Mobulidae). Zootaxa, 2301(1), 1–28. |
| 2 | Di Sciara, G. N., Adnet, S., Bennett, M. B., Broadhurst, M. K., Fernando, D., Jabado, R. W., Laglbauer, B. J., & Stevens, G. (2019). Taxonomic status, biological notes, and conservation of the longhorned pygmy devil ray Mobula eregoodoo (Cantor, 1849). Aquatic Conservation, 30(1), 104–122. |
| 3 | Di Sciara, G. N., Stevens, G., & Fernando, D. (2020). The giant devil ray Mobula mobular (Bonnaterre, 1788) is not giant, but it is the only spinetail devil ray. Marine Biodiversity Records, 13(1). |
| 4 | Marshall, A., Barreto, R., Carlson, J., Fernando, D., Fordham, S., Francis, M.P., Derrick, D., Herman, K., Jabado, R.W., Liu, K.M., Rigby, C.L. & Romanov, E. (2022). Mobula birostris (amended version of 2020 assessment). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2022: e.T198921A214397182. |
| 5 | Marshall, A., Barreto, R., Carlson, J., Fernando, D., Fordham, S., Francis, M.P., Herman, K., Jabado, R.W., Liu, K.M., Pacoureau, N., Rigby, C.L., Romanov, E. & Sherley, R.B. (2022). Mobula alfredi (amended version of 2019 assessment). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2022: e.T195459A214395983. |
Mike is a degree-qualified researcher and writer passionate about increasing global awareness about climate change and encouraging people to act collectively in resolving these issues.
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