Manta Rays - The Gentle Giants

If stingrays are known as the "birds" of the sea, then Manta rays are surely known as the "gigantic birds" of the sea. With a wing span that can reach 20 feet and a body weight known to exceed 3,000 pounds, Manta rays (Manta hamiltoni) are the largest type of rays. These immense creatures are common in tropical waters, as well as both inshore and offshore waters of the western Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. Despite their preference for the open sea, Manta rays occasionally pass over the reef and make an appearance in the waters of Belize.

The Spanish meaning of "Manta" is blanket, describing the unique spherical body shape of this animal. Similar to sharks, the skeleton of the Manta ray is made out of cartilage; thus, some characterize these rays as simply "flattened out sharks." In spite of being closely related to sharks, Manta rays are quite different. For one, Manta rays are known to be one of the most gentle creatures in the sea. Ironically, this ray was known for quite some time as a "devil fish," thought to be capable of destroying fishing boats and the fishermen inside them. This misconception is the result of the Manta rays daunting size, as well as the presence of horn-like appendages on either side of its head. These innocuous fins evolved for no other purpose than to help the ray herd plankton into its mouth.

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To reproduce, any season is mating season for these giants. When their pectoral fins reach approximately 13 to 15 feet, Manta ray's are sexually mature. Female rays give birth to one or two rays per litter, each one weighing up to 25 pounds at birth! Fortunately, these "pups," as baby Manta rays are called, do not face many predators. Rays learn to evade predators by spending much of their time on the sandy bottom, flapping their pectoral fins to throw sand on their body. Even as adults, Manta rays have few predators, such as the occasional shark or killer whale. On account of their lack of commercial value, fishermen tend to leave Manta rays alone, allowing the species to flourish.

Observing a Manta ray in Belize is a rare thing, but it does happen. So the next time you're snorkeling or diving, be sure to keep your eyes open to spot one of these extraordinary and graceful creatures. Even if you're in a boat there is a chance you'll see one. There are reports of Manta rays leaping 15 feet out of the water!

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