Manta rays are often misunderstood, leading to questions about their danger to humans. Manta rays are not dangerous to humans, a misconception often arising from their visual similarity to other marine animals.
The Distinction: Manta Rays and Stingrays
The common confusion between manta rays and stingrays often fuels the belief that all rays possess a venomous barb. Stingrays have a sharp, venomous barb on their tail, a defense mechanism against predators. This barb can deliver a painful sting to humans if accidentally stepped on or provoked.
Manta rays, despite being related to stingrays through their cartilaginous skeletons, do not possess this venomous barb. Their tails are long and whip-like, but they lack any stinging mechanism.
Physical differences extend beyond the tail. Manta rays have wide, forward-facing mouths with specialized cephalic lobes that help funnel food. In contrast, most stingrays have mouths on their underside, suitable for feeding on bottom-dwelling organisms. Manta rays also grow significantly larger, with some oceanic manta rays reaching wingspans of up to 23 feet.
Manta Ray Nature and Behavior
Manta rays are renowned for their calm and gentle temperament, earning them the nickname “gentle giants” of the ocean. They are filter feeders; their diet consists of microscopic plankton, small crustaceans, and occasionally small fish or fish eggs. They consume vast quantities of these tiny organisms by swimming with their large mouths open, filtering water through specialized gill rakers. Their esophagus is only about the size of a human fist, preventing them from consuming larger prey.
These large rays are pelagic, inhabiting the open ocean, though some species, like the reef manta ray, are more coastal. Their graceful movements are achieved by flapping their large pectoral fins, resembling birds in flight. Manta rays are often curious and may approach divers and snorkelers, sometimes engaging in playful behaviors without aggressive intent. Their primary defense is their impressive size and speed, allowing them to escape potential predators rather than confront them.
Observing Manta Rays Responsibly
Interacting with manta rays in their natural habitat is a privileged experience that comes with a responsibility to ensure their well-being. Although they pose no threat to humans, human actions can inadvertently harm them. Manta rays possess a protective mucous layer on their skin that acts as a defense against infections and parasites. Touching them can remove this protective coating, making them vulnerable to diseases.
To ensure safe and respectful encounters, observers should maintain a distance of at least 10 feet and avoid touching the animals. Remaining calm, limiting sudden movements, and keeping fins below the waterline help prevent startling them. For divers, staying near the seabed, and for snorkelers, remaining on the surface, allows manta rays free movement through the water column for feeding. Adhering to these guidelines helps protect these vulnerable creatures from human disturbance and preserves their natural behaviors.