Best Months to Spot
Most sightings recorded in Jun. Data from GBIF - a global database of verified wildlife observations by researchers and citizen scientists.
Conservation Status
Conservation hubFaces a very high risk of extinction in the wild.
Oceanic manta rays face significant threats from targeted fishing for their gill rakers and fins, as well as entanglement in fishing gear. While some populations are showing signs of recovery in protected areas, global numbers are still declining. Responsible tourism, such as manta ray snorkeling and diving tours, helps fund conservation efforts and raises awareness, providing an economic incentive to protect these magnificent creatures.
The giant oceanic manta ray, giant manta ray, oceanic manta ray, or pelagic manta ray is a species of ray in the family Mobulidae and the largest type of ray in the world. It is circumglobal and is typically found in tropical and subtropical waters but can also be found in temperate waters. Until 2017, the species was classified in the genus Manta, along with the smaller reef manta ray. DNA testing revealed that both mantas are closer related to some Mobula species than these are to other Mobula, being claded together. As a result, the two Manta species were absorbed into Mobula to reflect the new classification.
Description adapted from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where to Find
Top parks for Oceanic Manta Ray. Sightings recorded in 25 safari areas total.
Best Safari Destinations
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