Until 2017, the scientific community classified reef and oceanic mantas under the genus Manta. However, advanced DNA studies revealed a great similarity with rays from the genus Mobula, leading to both the Oceanic and Reef Manta now being classified under the Mobula genus.
In this post, we will explain how to identify these two species and also suggest ways you, as a diver, can contribute to scientific research and conservation efforts to better protect the areas where they commonly reside.
Characteristics and Behavior of Oceanic and Reef Mantas
Let’s start by differentiating their names, characteristics, and behavior:
Oceanic Manta
Scientific name: Mobula birostris
Common name: Oceanic Manta, Pelagic Manta, Giant Manta
Size: up to 9 meters
Weight: up to 2,300 kg
Habitat and behavior: They inhabit open ocean waters, far from the coast, and can be found in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. They typically have a dark coloration on the upper body with white markings on the ventral side. These mantas tend to be more migratory, traveling long distances in open waters. They may form temporary aggregations in feeding and cleaning areas.
Reef Manta
Scientific name: Mobula alfredi
Common name: Reef Manta
Size: up to 5.5 meters
Weight: up to 1,400 kg
Habitat and behavior: They prefer coastal habitats such as coral reefs, lagoons, and bays, primarily in tropical and subtropical waters. They exhibit a variety of patterns and colorations, including spots, stripes, and solid areas of color, with more diversity than oceanic mantas. Reef mantas tend to be more sedentary, remaining in specific areas such as coral reefs and cleaning stations.
Similarities Between These Two Manta Species
Despite their different habitats and characteristics, they share many similarities:
- Feeding: Both species are filter feeders, meaning they consume plankton and small organisms by filtering water through their gills.
- Morphology: Both oceanic and reef mantas have flat, wide bodies, large pectoral fins, and cephalic fins that resemble horns on their heads.
- Peaceful behavior: Both species are generally docile and pose no threat to humans. They often display curiosity toward divers and may approach them to interact.
How to Differentiate Them?
- The color inside their cephalic fins is black for the Oceanic Manta and light-colored for the Reef Manta.
- The black pattern on their back forms a “T” shape for the Oceanic Manta and a “Y” shape for the Reef Manta.
- The ventral pattern of the Oceanic Manta has most of its spots concentrated around the lower abdomen, whereas the Reef Manta has more spots between the gills.
- Base of the tail: The Oceanic Manta has a knob-like bulge at the base of its tail, while the Reef Manta does not.
Where Can You Dive with Manta Rays?
There are many destinations where you can dive with manta rays. Here are the best places to encounter these majestic animals:
- Revillagigedo (Mexico)
- Raja Ampat(Indonesia)
- Bali (Indonesia)
- Komodo (Indonesia)
- Maldives
- Kona (Hawaii)
