What are Manta Rays?
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Manta rays are large beautiful sea creatures that live in warm temperate waters. Their side or pectoral fins have evolved into wide triangular wings which they use to easily propel themselves through the water. With wing spans reaching over 20 feet across, manta rays are one of the largest animals in the ocean. Their broad blanket-like bodies earned them the name manta which means cloak in Spanish. In Hawaiian, they are called Hahalua. RELATIVES: Mantas are members of a group called batoids which include rays, skates and related fish. More specifically, manta rays are members of a larger ray group, scientifically called Myliobatiformes. Rays share common characteristics such as flattened, streamlined bodies and pectoral fins that have evolved large and wide to make up much of their bodies. SPECIES: Manta rays belong to the family of rays referred to as devil rays, scientifically called Mobulidae. Devil rays share the common characteristic of cephalic or head fins.
