manta

Manta refers primarily to the manta ray, the common name for two species in the genus Manta: Manta birostris (the giant manta ray) and Manta alfredi (the reef manta ray). They are large, pelagic rays that feed by filtering plankton from the water. Both species have broad, triangular pectoral fins, a wide mouth with cephalic lobes that help channel prey-rich water, and a whip-like tail. Wingspans can reach about 7 meters (23 feet) in M. birostris and over 5 meters in M. alfredi.

Habitat and distribution: Manta rays inhabit warm tropical and subtropical seas worldwide. M. birostris is more oceanic and widely distributed across open waters, while M. alfredi tends to stay around coastal reefs and islands, particularly in the Indo-Pacific. They are often observed near chlorophyll-rich upwellings, fronts, and cleaning stations where smaller fish remove parasites.

Ecology and behavior: Manta rays are filter feeders, consuming zooplankton and small prey organisms by swimming with their mouths open and pushing water over their gill rakers. They are known for graceful swimming and can exhibit acrobatic jumps. Cleaning stations on reefs are important for parasite management and social interactions.

Reproduction and lifespan: These rays are ovoviviparous; females give birth to typically one or two pups after a gestation of about a year. Interbirth intervals are long, and lifespans in the wild are commonly estimated in the decades.

Conservation: Both species are listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN due to historical and ongoing threats such as bycatch, targeted fisheries, and demand for gill plates. Protected areas, sustainable tourism, and research contribute to their conservation, though ongoing monitoring is needed.

Other uses: The name Manta can also refer to a coastal city in Ecuador, among other unrelated uses.