Manta Rays: Gentle Giants of the Sea

There are over 600 species of rays, including stingrays, skates, manta rays, and sawfish, and they come in many sizes. Rays are cartilaginous fish belonging to the class Chondrichthyes, which also includes sharks. They are a diverse group of fish with flattened bodies and enlarged pectoral fins, found in oceans, estuaries, and freshwater. As the largest ray and one of the largest fish in the sea, the manta ray is impressively large. However, you may be surprised by just how enormous these ‘devil fish’ can get. Continue reading to discover how the enormous manta ray compares to other ocean-dwelling giants.

Manta Ray Size

There are currently two widely recognized species of manta rays: the giant manta ray (Mobula birostris) and the reef manta ray (Mobula alfredi). However, scientists are studying a possible third species, the Caribbean manta ray  (Mobula cf. birostris), which may soon be formally recognized.

The giant manta ray, the larger of the two species, has a wingspan or disc width of up to 30 feet. To put its disc width in perspective, it would take approximately four bald eagles, placed side by side with their wings fully extended, to match the width of a giant manta ray. Adult giant rays typically weigh around 3,600 pounds, but can be as large as 4,000 pounds. These weights place giant rays in the same category as rhinos and some African elephants.

The reef manta ray is much smaller, though it’s still one of the larger fish you’ll find in the ocean. These rays tend to have a disc width of 9.8 to 11.5 feet, though some reef rays have widths of up to 18 feet, which is equal to the height of the Masai giraffe (Giraffa tippelskirchi), considered the tallest giraffe species. Reef rays typically weigh up to about 1,540 pounds (700 kg). For comparison, the average moose weighs about 1,500 pounds, while female hippos weigh around 3,000 pounds.

Manta rays also have long tails. However, these supersized sea creatures are true gentle giants: unlike stingrays, manta rays have tails without venomous or dangerous barbs.

Great White Shark vs. Manta Ray

How does the largest predatory shark compare to the largest ray in the sea? While they are apex predators and formidable in size, female great whites typically average 15 to 16 feet in length and weigh between 1,500 and 2,400 pounds, though exceptionally large individuals can reach up to 4,200 pounds. Males usually measure between 11 and 13 feet and weigh 1,150 to 1,700 pounds. While they are not significantly smaller, great white sharks are smaller than giant manta rays.

One big difference between manta rays and great white sharks is that manta rays don’t have teeth. Instead, because their diet consists entirely of plankton, they have small plates in their mouth to help filter water. Great whites have over 50 teeth that are triangular with serrated edges. Sharks continuously replace their teeth throughout their lives

Bull Shark vs. Manta Ray Size

Despite being extremely dangerous, the bull shark isn’t nearly as massive as a giant ray. Female bull sharks can reach up to 11 feet in length, with rare individuals recorded at up to 13 feet, while males typically reach about seven feet. Bull sharks, then, are closer in size to the reef manta ray.

However, when it comes to weight, adult bull sharks weigh between 200 and 500 pounds, with the largest individuals weighing up to 700 pounds, which is significantly less than reef manta rays, which weigh between 1,500 and 3,000 pounds.

Manta Ray Population

Manta ray populations are currently under threat from overfishing, targeted fisheries for their gill plates (especially in Asian markets), bycatch, and habitat loss. Manta ray gills are said to detoxify the blood and lungs, increase breast milk production, and cure people suffering from chickenpox and tonsil issues. The IUCN has declared reef manta rays vulnerable and giant manta rays endangered. In many countries around the world, manta rays have been declared a threatened species and are now protected.