Atlantic Manta

Common Name: Atlantic Manta
Scientific Name: Manta birostris
Range: Atlantic Ocean: North Carolina to Brazil, Maderia to W. Africa
Habitat: Coastal waters, open sea
Size: 17 ft (5.2 m); 22 ft (6.7 m) wide
Comments: The gigantic manta, also known as the giant devil ray, is the largest ray. It has huge pointed pectoral fins, a fairly short tail and a short dorsal fin. Two fleshy appendages at each side of the mouth act as scoops for food. Mantas feed on tiny planktonic creatures which they filter from the water on to their gill arches. They also swallow fish and large crustaceans. The young hatch inside their mother and are born well developed.