September 2018 Usually only a single pup is born, although females can occasionally give birth to two pups. It is thought that the birth usually takes place at night in shallow coastal waters. February 2017 Manta rays are particularly valued for their gill rakers, which are traded internationally. Many prayed however that the creature would not be harmed. Information on the global distribution of giant manta rays and their population sizes is lacking. Looking like a bizarre alien spaceship as it swims through the water, the giant oceanic manta ray is the world’s largest ray.This huge fish can reach weights of over 1 tonne! Here are some amazing shots of lucky encounters with these gorgeous gentle giants. (We’ll find out more about the giant oceanic manta ray’s diet further down the page.). These are extensions to the pectoral fins, and can either be rolled into a horn-like shape when the animal is swimming or spread out to assist with feeding. How to dive next to Giant Oceanic Mantas? The giant oceanic manta ray is a widespread species and can be found in tropical, sub-tropical and temperate waters worldwide. Giant Oceanic Manta Ray: FAQ, factsheet and photos. Their gills is still in high demand mostly by the traditional chinese medecine market. The species may also be spotted around seamounts (undersea mountains) and oceanic island groups as well as in shallow reefs and seagrass beds. August 2019 Its teeth are small and arranged into 18 rows on the lower jaw. On its back is a small dorsal fin, and it has a long, thin tail. The main threats to the survival of the species include: Other potential threats include pollution and micro plastics, boat strikes, irresponsible tourism practices, habitat degradation and the effects of climate change. August 2020 Family, such as Devil rays which can easily be mistaken for mantas. How big are the largest Rays on the planet? We are lucky to see them regularly during our cruises in, Everything you ought to know about Giant Oceanic Manta Rays. October 2014 Marine life we see most in Mergui Archipelago. The shoulder patch markings are shaped like the letter ‘T’ on the giant oceanic manta ray, while on the closely related reef manta ray (Manta alfredi) they resemble the letter ‘Y’. December 2017 Some individuals have a dark brown or a steely blue upper body, while others are almost entirely black or white. Many individual manta rays return to the same stations over and over. They are very closely related to the nine extant species of mobula ray. February 2015 January 2016 Manta rays eat krill and plankton and have been known to make regular visits to cleaning stations - spots on a coral reef where sea animals go to be cleaned by smaller creatures - where they stay still for several minutes while cleaner fish remove parasites and dead skin.