Since the manta ray evolved from the stingray, it has a tail similar to the stingray, but the tail has no stinger or spine within it. They have a skeleton with a vertebral column, skull (chondocranium), a pelvic girdle and basal and radial cartilages near the base of the pectoral fins. Manta rays vary a lot in color pattern, especially on the shoulders and underbelly. This coating has a protective mucus layer that shields the ray from various marine infections. Manta rays have a body coating that is thicker than that of other types of rays. The prey are caught on the manta ray’s gill rakers, which are flat plates of spongy tissue covering the spaces between the gill bars. The gills are located ventrally, or on the ray’s belly. The eyes are located laterally, on each side of the head, at the base of the cephalic fins. These fins help guide food into the ray’s mouth. (The word, “Manta”, is derived from a Spanish word meaning “blanket” or “cloak”.) The cephalic fins are forward extensions of the pectoral fins that are located anteriorly on each side of the head. Manta rays swim by flapping the large, triangular pectoral fins for which they are well known. It will move along slowly in a straight line when feeding, allowing the maximum amount of food to be filtered through its gills. Adult manta rays may consume up to 60 lb of food daily, and spend hours each day feeding. The food then passes down to the stomach. Manta rays are filter feeders, which means that they take in water that is then filtered through their gills, trapping the food along the gill plates so that only water passes back out. Manta rays have about 300 rows of very small teeth, about the size of the head of a pin, which are, strangely enough, not used for eating. The teeth are thought instead to play a role in courtship. It feeds upon plankton and shrimp, but will sometimes eat small fish as well.
The mouth of the manta ray is located at the top of its head. Smaller rays may form shoals of their own. Although the larger manta rays tend to be solitary creatures, they are often accompanied by shoals of pilot fish. They prefer warmer water, and feed close to the surface. They are often found near coral reefs, or in lagoons or near coastlines. Manta rays can be found in both salty and fresh water. In the marine world, only whales and sharks are larger. Oceanic manta rays can weigh up to 5000 lb, which is greater than the weight of a mid-size automobile. The Giant Oceanic Manta Ray is the largest type of manta ray in the world. The genus “Manta” contains two species of manta rays: the Reef Manta Ray and the Giant Oceanic Manta Ray. Manta rays belong to the biological family known as Mobulidae. They are found in tropical, subtropical, and temperate waters around the world. Manta rays are classified as a type of fish.
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