The Manta Ray are two species of large oceanic ray, with this Giant Oceanic Manta Ray reaching 7 m in width. She inhabits subtropical and tropical waters and is a filter feeder, swallowing large quantities of zooplankton. She circles her prey, herding it into a tight group before swimming through, swallowing great mouthfuls. Her front cephalic fins - extensions of her pectoral fins - flare out to channel water, and therefore prey, towards her gaping mouth. She is always in motion, requiring the movement of water across her gills for respiration. Fertilisation is internal, and the egg hatches within the mother's oviduct and the pup receiving nutrition from a milky secretion. It is birthed some 12-13 months after mating.
Both species are classified as Vulnerable and are affected by fishing, pollution and climate change.
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