They have very venomous barbs located on their long tails which are used against predators. Growing to approximately 10 feet wide, no two spotted eagle rays have the same pattern as their dark blue upper bodies are peppered in eye-catching white spots. Their plate-like mouths allow them to crush pray, meaning some of their favourite foods include crustaceans, molluscs and worms. The spotted eagle ray is easily distinguished by their long, broad snout and rather friendly faces. They have a particularly strong swimming ability and can travel long distances across open waters, migrating seasonally based on water temperature. Spotted eagle rays are found in warm and temperate waters. Spotted Eagle Ray Dance with me: Spotted eagle rays are known for their underwater acrobatics. Scientific Nameĭevil ray, bentfin devil ray, bentfin devil ray These ray fish are known to dive down to depths of up to 2km at speeds of 13mph! They are also amazing acrobats, often flipping and jumping right out of the water. This is where the devil ray gets its name.Īlthough their name may sound threatening, the devil ray is a shy creature, feeding mostly on plankton and krill.ĭevil rays are impressive divers, making them one of the fastest marine species in the world. Their heads are also narrower, and their cephalic fins, or horns, point forward rather than curling around the mouth like a manta rays do. On closer inspection, you will notice that the devil ray is much pointer than a Manta. It can be quite difficult to differentiate between a reef manta and a devil ray, and they are often mistaken for one another due to being so similar in shape, color and size. This ray species is widespread, and can be found anywhere from the Mediterranean and the eastern Atlantic to the Indian Ocean and western Pacific. The devil ray fish stems from the Mobula family, which includes the manta and spotted eagle ray. Scientific Nameĭevil Ray The Stealth Bomber: Devil rays are much sharper than their manta counterparts. Today, the reef manta is classed as a vulnerable species due to entanglement, plastic pollution and illegal fishing operations. This species of ray is found in the tropical waters of the Indian, Pacific and Atlantic oceans near coral reefs around islands and atolls. The reef manta’s upper body has a small dorsal fin, which from the surface can easily be mistaken for a Dolphin or Shark. Their most common color is either black or dark grey, with a white underside. Much like the Oceanic manta, reef manta’s also have horns used to feed on plankton. Often referred to as ‘Birds of the Sea’ because their two triangular pectoral fins resemble the wings of a bird. The reef manta ray is the worlds second-largest species of ray, and has a maximum wingspan of approximately 15 feet. Reef Manta Ray Spot the difference: Reef manta’s are significantly smaller than their Oceanic cousins. Shop our Manta Ray Necklace and help support ocean conservation efforts now. However, human factors such as unsustainable fishing and an ever increasing demand for their body parts has led the Oceanic manta ray to become the first manta ray to be listed as an endangered species. Oceanic manta rays have a lifespan of around 15-20 years and are mostly preyed upon by sharks and killer whales. They inhabit warm tropical waters worldwide, and spend most of their time between the surface and approximately 400ft deep. The mantas use these areas as both feeding and cleaning stations. Oceanic mantas are often found congregating on reefs particularly susceptible to current, which attract schooling fish and plankton. These are used to funnel plankton – a manta rays favourite snack! With so many different types of rays, it can be hard to tell them apart but one of the main distinguishable features of the Oceanic manta ray are the horns located either side of their huge mouths. From wing tip to wing tip, they can grow to at least 23ft and weigh up to an impressive 4,000 pounds!Īpart from their size, the Oceanic manta ray is distinguished by the markings on their backs, which include large black and white patches mostly above their shoulders. The Oceanic manta ray is the largest ray species in the world. Oceanic Manta Ray Photo by Shawn Heinrichs | The great Oceanic manta is the oceans gentle giant. From the graceful manta rays to the elusive stingrays, discover their distinct characteristics and unravel the secrets of these captivating species. Explore 10 different types of rays (Batoidea) and learn how to distinguish them.
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