Manta Ray: Manta birostris

A filter feeding giant!

The Manta Ray is the largest of all rays. This giant elasmobranch lives exclusively as a filter-feeder. Primarily small planktonic crustaceans are sieved through the 5 pairs of gills located on the underside of the animal. Two cephalic lobes help funnel water into its mouth. These two lobes are also responsible for the animals infamous nickname "devil ray" because they  resemble two diabolic horns.
The ventral side (underside) is usually bright colored with individual spot patterns making it possible to tell individuals apart. The dorsal side (back/upper side) is normally dark colored. This counter-coloration provides a good camouflage for the animal. The bright belly blends with the bright surface when looked upon from underneath and the dark back blends well with the darkness of the deep water when seen from above.
Manta rays are found around the world in tropical waters.

Interesting Manta Facts

• Mantas can grow over 7 meters in width. The largest was 7.6 meters!
• Other names for the Manta Ray include Atlantic manta, Pacific manta, devilfish, and just manta.
• Only four manta rays exist in captivity today!
• One of the first films to feature the Manta Ray misrepresented it as a fearsome creature.  The name of the film was THE SEA BAT, a 1930's thriller film directed by Lionel Barrymore and Wesley Ruggles.