Manta rays are fish. They are the largest member of the ray family. They have a flat, disc-shaped body with two huge “wings” and a long, spiny tail.
When they swim, manta rays flap their huge “wings”, which are actually pectoral fins, up and down, like a bird. This movement propels the fish through the water. The manta ray moves easily through the water at any speed.
Manta rays live in the warmer areas of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. They are unusual members of the ray family as they are the only rays to live and feed on the surface of the open sea. Sometimes, they rest quietly on the seabed.
Mature manta rays usually travel alone. They cruise around feeding mainly on tiny plankton and shrimps.
When a manta ray’s wingspan reaches about four meters, it is mature and can breed. Most fish species lay eggs which hatch in the water. However, manta rays bear live young and the female produces one at a time. The wingspan of a baby manta at birth can reach over one meter!
Manta rays are ....