Where are giant oceanic manta rays found?

They are circumglobal, typically in tropical and subtropical waters, and can also occur in temperate waters.

How does the giant oceanic manta relate to the reef manta?

The reef manta (Mobula alfredi) is smaller; until 2017 both were placed in genus Manta but DNA evidence led to both being reclassified into Mobula.

What family does the giant oceanic manta ray belong to?

It belongs to the family Mobulidae.

Is the giant oceanic manta the largest ray?

Yes — it is described as the largest type of ray in the world.

Was the giant oceanic manta formerly classified under a different genus?

Yes — until 2017 it was classified in the genus Manta.

Are there other common names for this species?

Yes — giant manta ray and oceanic manta ray.

Where to See Giant Oceanic Manta Ray While Diving

Q: What scientific evidence changed its classification?

DNA testing showed the two manta species are more closely related to some Mobula species than those Mobula are to other Mobula, prompting their absorption into Mobula.

The giant oceanic manta ray (Mobula birostris) is a species of ray in the family Mobulidae and is the largest type of ray in the world. It is circumglobal and typically occurs in tropical and subtropical waters, but can also be found in temperate waters. Until 2017 the species was placed in the genus Manta alongside the smaller reef manta ray (Mobula alfredi); DNA testing showed the two mantas are more closely related to some Mobula species than those Mobula are to other Mobula, and both manta species were reclassified into the genus Mobula.

The strongest linked planning options currently surface around destinations such as Fuvahmulah, Khao Lak (Similan and Surin Islands), Phuket and countries such as Thailand, Maldives, Mexico for divers building trips around giant oceanic manta rays.