Manta rays, particularly the oceanic manta ray (Mobula birostris) and the reef manta ray (Mobula alfredi), are magnificent creatures found in the Maldives, known for their impressive size and unique characteristics. Oceanic mantas can reach wingspans of up to 7 meters, making them the largest species of ray in the world.
These gentle giants are filter feeders, gliding through the water with their mouths open to consume plankton, which they filter using specialized gill plates5. Their bodies are typically gray or black on top and white underneath, adorned with distinctive spot patterns that help researchers identify individuals, much like human fingerprints.
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