Author: (Walbaum, 1792)
FBname: Giant manta
Comments: Mainly in near-shore waters, near coral and rocky reefs; sometimes found over deep water (Ref. 12951).  Reported along productive coastlines with regular upwelling, oceanic island groups and offshore pinnacles and seamounts (Ref. 82755).  Penetrates shallow muddy bays and the intertidal and occurs off river mouths (Ref. 9911).  Pelagic (Ref. 58302).  Occurs singly or in loose aggregations (Ref. 12951).  Mainly plankton feeders, but may feed on small and moderate-sized fishes as well (Ref. 9911).  Leaps out the water mainly in spring and autumn, possibly as part of mating behavior (Ref. 31742).  Easily approached (Ref. 9911).  Ovoviviparous (Ref. 6902).  Commonly caught by tuna gillnet and harpoon fisheries. Utilized for its gill filter plates (very high value), meat, cartilage and skin (Ref.58048). Liver yields oil and skin used as abrasive (Ref. 6902).  World's largest ray (Ref. 37816).