Mobulidae

Mobulidae is a family of rays within the order Myliobatiformes that includes the genera Manta and Mobula. The family comprises several species, among them the well-known manta rays (Manta birostris and Manta alfredi) and numerous Mobula species. Members of Mobulidae are among the largest rays, with wingspans reaching up to about 7 meters in manta rays and generally smaller in mobulids. They occur in warm temperate and tropical oceans worldwide, with some species associated with coastal reefs and others inhabiting open waters.

Mobulids are filter feeders. They graze plankton by swimming with their cephalic fins expanded to funnel water into their mouths, and they rely on highly efficient gill rakers to capture plankton before expelling the water through the gill slits. They often form solitary or small groups, but can congregate in large numbers at productive feeding sites, cleaning stations, and during mating seasons.

Reproduction is viviparous; females give birth to live young after a gestation of roughly a year. Litter sizes are typically 1-2 pups, and individuals reach sexual maturity after several years depending on species.

Conservation: Mobulids face threats from fisheries, bycatch, habitat degradation, and pollution. Some populations have declined sharply in parts of their range. They are protected by various national laws and international agreements and appear on CITES Appendix II in many regions, with protective measures including fishing bans, marine protected areas, and responsible tourism practices.