Animal Guide

Reef Manta

1 destination · 1 state

Native Range: Tropical and subtropical oceans worldwide

Reef manta rays are the kind of animal that can make people stop mid-conversation when one sweeps past the viewing window. Their broad, diamond-shaped bodies move with slow, powerful strokes of the pectoral fins, while the rest of the body seems to glide almost effortlessly. Watch the head closely and you'll see the pair of rolled cephalic fins beside the mouth. These help guide plankton-rich water toward the mouth as the manta feeds. Reef mantas often circle and bank rather than simply swimming in a straight line, giving visitors several chances to see their dark backs, pale undersides, and distinctive patterns. Those markings can also help researchers identify individual animals. Unlike stingrays, reef manta rays have no stinging barb, and they are harmless filter feeders that strain tiny organisms from the water. In the wild, they are commonly associated with warm coastal waters around coral reefs and islands. A close pass reveals just how large these gentle swimmers can be without making a sound.

Where to see Reef Manta

1 destination across 1 state

1 destination

Georgia Aquarium

Atlanta, GA

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