Atlantic Manta Info

The Atlantic manta ray is endemic to the . Its habitat stretches from the northeastern United States (as far north as Massachusetts) down to southeastern Brazil.

: They possess the largest brain-to-body weight ratio of any living fish, contributing to their reputation for curiosity and social interaction with divers. atlantic manta

: Their gill plates are highly valued in some international markets for traditional medicinal tonics, despite no scientific evidence of health benefits. The Atlantic manta ray is endemic to the

: They are impressively large, reaching wingspans of 5 to 6 meters (16 to 20 feet) . For perspective, that is as wide as a standard two-car garage. : Their gill plates are highly valued in

The Atlantic Manta Ray: Unveiling a New Giant For decades, marine biology recognized only two species of manta ray: the coastal-dwelling reef manta and the far-roaming giant oceanic manta. However, in , scientists officially described a third distinct species—the Atlantic manta ray ( Mobula yarae ). Named after "Yara," a water spirit from Indigenous Brazilian mythology, this species represents a breakthrough in our understanding of marine biodiversity in the Western Atlantic. Distinguishing the Atlantic Manta

Like all members of the genus Mobula , Atlantic mantas are . They use their paddle-like cephalic fins to scoop plankton and small crustaceans into their wide, terminal mouths.