Manta rays and stingrays are often confused due to their flattened bodies and broad fins. Despite similar appearances, they are distinct creatures with unique characteristics. This article clarifies their differences.
Clarifying the Relationship
Manta rays and stingrays are not the same animal, though they share a common ancestry within the cartilaginous fish group. Both belong to the superorder Batoidea, which encompasses all rays, skates, and sawfish. Within this broader classification, they diverge into separate families: manta rays are part of the Mobulidae family, while stingrays belong to several families, including Dasyatidae, Urolophidae, and Potamotrygonidae.
Distinguishing Features
A primary distinction between these two marine animals lies in their size and body shape. Manta rays are significantly larger, with the giant oceanic manta ray reaching wingspans up to 23 feet wide and weighing nearly 2,980 pounds. They possess distinct, triangular pectoral fins that give them a diamond-like shape. In contrast, stingrays are generally smaller, ranging from the size of a dinner plate to several feet wide, and often have more rounded or oval-shaped bodies.
Another notable difference is their mouth structure and feeding habits. Manta rays have large, forward-facing mouths positioned at the front of their heads, which they use for filter feeding on microscopic plankton, krill, and small fish. They swim with their mouths open, using specialized cephalic lobes to funnel water and prey into their gills. Conversely, stingrays have mouths located on their underside, allowing them to feed on bottom-dwelling organisms like crustaceans, mollusks, and small fish found in the seabed.
The most well-known difference involves their tails. Manta rays do not possess a venomous barb or “stinger,” making them harmless to humans. Their tails are slender and lack any defensive spine. In contrast, most stingray species are equipped with one or more serrated, venomous barbs near the base of their whip-like tails. These barbs are primarily for defense against predators, used when the stingray feels threatened or is accidentally disturbed.
Their habitats and behaviors also vary considerably. Manta rays are pelagic, meaning they inhabit the open ocean and often swim near the surface, sometimes traveling in groups. They are constantly in motion, gliding through the water by flapping their large pectoral fins. Stingrays, however, are benthic, preferring to dwell on the seafloor where they often bury themselves in sand or mud for camouflage. They can remain stationary, using spiracles behind their eyes to draw water over their gills.
Common Ground
Despite their differences, manta rays and stingrays share several fundamental characteristics. Both are cartilaginous fish, meaning their skeletons are composed of cartilage rather than bone, similar to sharks. They also share the characteristic of having gill slits located on their underside, typically five pairs, which are used for respiration. Both species give birth to live young, rather than laying eggs.
Encounters with Humans
Human interactions with these two ray types differ significantly due to their distinct defensive mechanisms. Manta rays are generally considered gentle and harmless creatures, often displaying curiosity towards divers and snorkelers. Their lack of a venomous barb means they pose no stinging threat.
Stingrays, while not typically aggressive, can inflict painful stings if threatened. Their venomous barb is a defensive tool used when they feel cornered or accidentally stepped on, particularly in shallow coastal waters where they often bury themselves. To avoid such encounters, a common practice is the “stingray shuffle,” where individuals shuffle their feet along the sandy bottom to alert any buried stingrays, allowing them to swim away.