Fish

Manta Ray

Scientific Name

Mobula alfredi

Other Common Name(s)

Reef Manta Ray, Coastal Manta Ray, Inshore Manta Ray

Body Weight

Up to 1,400 kg

Body Width

Up to 5.5m

Habitat

Ocean

Diet

Plankton and small fish

Fun Facts

Manta rays are the largest rays in the world. Despite their size, they feed on zooplankton by filtering water through their gills, which have special spongy tissue.

Manta rays sometimes leap out of the water before splashing back in. This may help remove parasites or communicate with other manta rays.

Distribution

Tropical and subtropical waters of the Pacific Ocean and Indian Ocean, including the waters of countries such as Japan, Indonesia, Australia and Oman

Threats & Conservation

Threats

Overexploitation of Biological Resources

Research indicates that the global population of manta rays has significantly declined by 30%. Captured intentionally or as bycatch, fisheries are a significant reason for this decline. Most direct fishing is for their gill rakers as they can be used as medicine in parts of Asia, and Hong Kong is also an importer of these products. Manta rays are also caught or killed accidentally by fishing gear or even by protective shark nets around beach waters.

Conservation

IUCN Red List

Vulnerable

CITES

Appendix I

Conservation

Protected under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586) in Hong Kong.

Ocean Park's Conservation Efforts

The Park has collaborated with a local university by providing mucus samples collected from manta ray for research purposes, aiming to increase knowledge of the species.

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Fish

Manta Ray

Scientific Name

Mobula alfredi

Other Common Name(s)

Reef Manta Ray, Coastal Manta Ray, Inshore Manta Ray

Body Weight

Up to 1,400 kg

Body Width

Up to 5.5m

Habitat

Ocean

Diet

Plankton and small fish

Fun Facts

Manta rays are the largest rays in the world. Despite their size, they feed on zooplankton by filtering water through their gills, which have special spongy tissue.

Manta rays sometimes leap out of the water before splashing back in. This may help remove parasites or communicate with other manta rays.

Distribution

Tropical and subtropical waters of the Pacific Ocean and Indian Ocean, including the waters of countries such as Japan, Indonesia, Australia and Oman

Threats & Conservation

Threats

Overexploitation of Biological Resources

Conservation

IUCN Red List

Vulnerable

CITES

Appendix I

Conservation

Protected under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586) in Hong Kong.

Ocean Park's Conservation Efforts

The Park has collaborated with a local university by providing mucus samples collected from manta ray for research purposes, aiming to increase knowledge of the species.

The Daily of an Animal Caretaker

Learn More