Manta Ray Anatomy

Manta Ray Anatomy

When you evaluate the body of a Manta Ray there is no denying that it is very unusual. However, that is part of why they are such fascinating creatures to so many people. Full grown, they can be up to 25 feet in length and weigh as much as 5,000 pounds. The size will depend on where they reside. The males are usually much larger than the females.

The body of the Manta Ray is much thicker than that of all other rays out there. While they do have spirals on their bodies all of the water is taken in through the mouth. It is believed that these spirals were used for that purpose but that all changed during the evolution process. The skin is very smooth and it is protected by a mucus membrane that keeps it free from exposure to viruses and bacteria.

The Manta Ray has two sets of fins – the pectoral fins and the cephalic fins. These fins are rolled up when the creature is swimming and then laid out flat when they are searching for food. The fins can span about 20 feet when they are spread out. The pectoral fins are fused to the head.

There are large openings on the head called spirals that are found behind the eyes. There are also five slits for gills on both sides. Males have a pair of claspers that look like a pair of cigars. This is missing from the females so it is easy to tell the two of them apart.

The tail is very long and skinny which many people agree seems out of place with the rest of the shape of the body. It can be seen whipping around very rapidly and there is a spine that runs down it.

The offspring may take you by surprise when you first see them. They are born all rolled up and it can take several hours for them to get into the known flat body shape that we are familiar with. It can be very interesting to watch these newborns open up and to instinctively know how to survive on their own. It is thanks to their anatomy though that they are able to do so.

The colors of the Manta Ray really depends on the species as well as where they live. They can range in color from shades of black, blue, brown, or gray. They skin may have blemishes or blotches of other colors on them as well. These types of markings are very distinct to individual and many researchers use them to identify particular Manta Rays in their natural habitat.

There are 18 rows of very sharp teeth that are only on the lower jaw. The upper jaw doesn’t have any teeth at all on it. What is quite interesting is that they don’t need these teeth, they don’t use them to eat. They also don’t serve as much protection as their predators are sharks and whales. Yet they may put up a decent fight before becoming lunch!

It is believed that their brains are much larger than that of many other creatures in the water. This  accounts for their intelligence as they are able to evolve, to continue to find food where they can, and even to follow the hand signals of divers. Their bodies allow them to coincide well with the waters and their coloring allows them to blend in well with the surroundings.

Many people are fearful when they see young Manta Rays in the water. This is due to the publicity that surrounded the death of animal lover Steve Erwin. However, that was a String Ray and not a Manta Ray involved. It is a lack of knowledge that leads people to confuse the two of them though.