Manta birostris Dondorf 1798

manta ray, devil ray

Manta birostris, manta ray

Mantas are the largest rays, with a short tail and distinctive cephalic lobes.
In Manta birostris, the largest manta ray, the mouth is at the front of the head, as shown in the pictures.
In pygmy mantas the mouth is on the underside.
 Manta birostris, manta ray

Despite their large size they are plankton feeders and are harmless unless provoked. The cephalic lobes (the skin flaps on the front of the head) can be used to help them direct food into their mouths. when not in use, the cephalic lobes can be rolled spirally, giving the appearance of horns.
 Manta birostris, manta ray

Manta rays are usually solitary or in small groups. They are often accompanied by remoras or black cobia.
There are some sites to which mantas will regularly return to rest on the bottom whilst being cleaned.
Female manta rays produce one or two pups at a time.
Family =  Mobulidae / Myliobatidae Distribution =  world wide, circum tropical  Max size = 7.6m disc width , 2 tons