Manta Ray vs Stingray: Explaining the Differences Between Two Underwater Legends

Few creatures can match the manta ray or stingray when it comes to gracefulness in the water. These cartilaginous fish appear to glide through the water with each flap of their pectoral fins, looking remarkably similar to giant birds in flight. Divers worldwide love encountering these intelligent and magnificent creatures, but few can tell them apart due to their many similarities.

However, it’s easy to spot several distinct physical differences that separate the two fish if you know where to look. In addition, they each exhibit unique traits and behaviors that help to distinguish them from each other. In this article, we will start by comparing manta rays and stingrays. Then, we’ll discuss nine key differences that make them distinct. 

Comparing Manta Rays and Stingrays 

When most people think of manta rays, they think of the giant oceanic manta ray or the reef manta ray. As for stingrays, scientists currently recognize over 220 known stingray species belonging to 29 different genera.

Given this wide variety, we’ll attempt to provide descriptions for a range of stingray types and behaviors, with an understanding that other species can range widely in size, appearance, distribution, and behavior.

The 9 Key Differences Between Manta Rays and Stingrays

There are many fundamental differences between manta rays and stingrays, including their taxonomies, locations, and physical descriptions. Let’s address these differences in detail now.

Manta Ray vs Stingray: Taxonomy

Manta rays and stingrays belong to the order Myliobatiformes, one of the four groups belonging to the superorder Batoidea. While they contain similar attributes, including flattened, boneless bodies and enlarged pectoral fins, the two belong to different families.

Manta rays are currently classified within the genus Mobula, family Myliobatidae, following recent taxonomic revisions. Meanwhile, stingrays belong to eight respective families. They include Hexatrygonidae (sixgill stingrays), Plesiobatidae (deepwater stingrays), Urolophidae (stingarees), Urotrygonidae (round rays), Dasyatidae (whiptail stingrays), Potamotrygonidae (river stingrays), Gymnuridae (butterfly rays), and the previously mentioned Myliobatidae. 

Manta Ray vs Stingray: Size

Depending on the species of stingray, manta rays and stingrays can vary wildly in terms of size. The giant oceanic ray is the largest ray in the world and can reach lengths up to 23 feet and weigh nearly 2,980 pounds. Right behind these giants ranks the reef manta ray, which can reach up to 18 feet wide.

On the other hand, stingrays range from the size of a dinner plate to massive specimens only slightly smaller than a manta ray. For example, the Atlantic stingray typically only measures 10 inches wide and weighs a mere five pounds. Yet, the short-tail stingray can reach up to 6.9 feet wide and weigh over 770 pounds. Similarly, giant freshwater stingrays can grow up to 8 feet wide and weigh up to 800 pounds. 

Manta Ray vs Stingray: Distribution

Manta rays typically either live in the open ocean or along reefs near the coastline. They range as far north as North Carolina and as far south as northern New Zealand. Overall, they prefer warm temperate, subtropical, and tropical waters.

Meanwhile, stingrays enjoy a much wider distribution and live in more varied habitats. They live in the open ocean, along the seafloor, near reefs, and also in freshwater rivers. That said, they still mainly congregate in warmer subtropical and tropical waters. 

Manta Ray vs Stingray: Tail

Aside from their size, one of the most significant differences separating a manta ray vs stingray is their tails. The tail of a manta ray does not contain a barb, which effectively makes them harmless to humans.

Meanwhile, most stingray species possess one serrated venomous spine at the base of their tail. They rarely use their spines as weapons but will lash out with their whip-like tail when threatened. Although the venom in stingray spines rarely proves fatal to humans, the barbs themselves can deliver a nasty and painful sting. Generally, soaking the affected area in hot water will relieve the pain and kill any lingering stingray venom.

Manta Ray vs Stingray: Diet and Feeding Behavior

Of the many species of rays, only manta and devil rays evolved into filter feeders. This explains why, unlike most rays, the mouth of a manta ray is located at the front of its body rather than underneath its head. As they swim near the ocean’s surface, their mouths filter zooplankton from the water, including shrimp, krill, and planktonic crabs.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, most stingrays operate as bottom feeders. Many species swim near the bottom of oceans or rivers, guiding prey into their mouths. They possess specialized jaws that allow them to crush the shells of mollusks, and their diet consists primarily of clams, worms, oysters, mussels, and shrimp. 

Manta Ray vs Stingray: Lifespan

Another key difference that distinguishes a manta ray from a stingray concerns their lifespan. In the wild, manta rays frequently live up to 40 years old. Furthermore, some scientists estimate that the oldest manta rays reach 50 years of age. Meanwhile, most stingrays only live between 15 to 25 years. While the lifespan of a stingray is by no means short, it measures only half that of a manta ray. 

Manta Ray vs Stingray: Intelligence

Manta rays and stingrays have both garnered a reputation for their high levels of intelligence. In particular, manta rays rank among the most intelligent animals on the planet. They possess the largest brains as well as the largest brain-to-body ratio of any fish.

Manta rays can pass the mirror test, which is a basic test to determine an animal’s ability of self-recognition. Stingrays, on the other hand, exhibit more low-key intelligence. They can manipulate objects to get food and will engage in playful behavior just for their amusement. 

Manta Ray vs Stingray: Temperament

Despite their enormous size, manta rays are gentle giants. Due to their eating behavior and lack of stingers, they pose little threat to humans. On the contrary, they tend to act curious around people and eagerly investigate objects that pique their interest. In addition, they partake in fastidious cleaning rituals by allowing smaller fish to remove parasites from their bodies.

Meanwhile, the temperament of most stingrays is more muddled and harder to pin down. While they can act playfully at times, they can also turn aggressive when cornered. This is how the famous wildlife expert, Steve Irwin, died when he got too close to a short-tailed stingray.

Manta Ray vs Stingray: Mating Rituals

Manta rays and stingrays each partake in unique mating rituals that differ drastically from one another. When manta rays mate, a female will attract a group of potential males. She will then put the males through a series of acrobatic twists and turns. The males follow the female as she weaves this intricate dance, with the female picking her favorite prospect from the available suitors.

Compared to manta rays, the mating ritual of stingrays is much less romantic. During courtship, a male stingray will bite a female on the back or her fins. While females appear to struggle during courtship, they cease struggling once they consent to the male’s advances.