Size does matter, as the Giant Oceanic Manta Ray would tell you. The largest type of ray in the world, the most impressive recorded specimen was measured more than 7.6 metres across, with a weight of about 2,400 kilograms.
It’s a bird… it’s a plane… it’s a giant ocean manta ray!
“Look ma, is that a UFO?”
Despite their huge body mass, these manta rays also extremely fast swimmers, and are considered one of the most graceful marine creatures. Manta (which means blanket in Spanish) describes how the ray looks like a blanket floating under the sea. Divers have described the experience of swimming beneath a giant manta ray as like having a large flying saucer overhead.
Don’t worry, I’ve got you blanketed.
“Come closer…we don’t bite”
When feeding, these manta rays swim along with their cavernous mouths wide open, There are two long paddles on either side of their mouths, which help funnel plankton into their mouths. Instead of ripping flesh, their many rows of sharp teeth are used as a filtering system. Manta rays are very gentle animals that can get close to humans without harming them.
I’m may be huge, but I ain’t scary.
“We’ve got the bod…and the brain.”
Besides being known for its sheer size, these manta rays also have the largest brain to body ratio for all sharks & rays, proving that they are the smartest of the lot.