- The Manta ray is a giant ray which appears to move by slowly flapping its ‘wings’ (pectoral fins), which can reach a width of 23 feet (7m).
- It is a filter-feeder sucking in plankton and small fish through a giant mouth with two horns, one on each side.
Description
- There are two species that both live in warm temperate, sub-tropical and tropical oceans between the Equator and up to 36° latitude north or south.
- One species lives off reefs and coastal waters while the other migrates around the world’s oceans.
- The Manta ray has the largest brain found in any fish and is highly intelligent.
- The name Manta is from the Spanish meaning blanket. Ancient Sailors feared that they would wrap themselves around their boats like a blanket and sink them.
Manta ray tourism
- The following countries have currently developed Manta ray tourism as part of their Economy:
- The Maldives, Micronesia, Palau, Japan, Indonesia, Australia, Mexico and the USA.
The Maldives