GIANT MANTA RAY AQUARIUM SKIN

By contrast, Manta birostris usually moves across the ocean but also inhabits shallow reefs and regularly visits cleaning zones to allow other fish to eliminate parasites and dead skin from their body.ĭespite their status of marine species, it is known that in some regions like Hawaii they can enter freshwater banks for reasons such as finding food or evading predators. Usually it is located in places close to the coast of shallow water, around groups of islands, reefs, atolls and even bays and seamounts. The reef manta ray’s habitat is less oceanic compared to that of the giant manta ray. Manta birostris individuals have been seen in the east and west coasts of the United States, Japan, Egypt, the Azores, Peru, Uruguay, South Africa and New Zealand islands, among others. Sightings of this species are less frequent than those of its reef relative, and are believed to have a slightly more solitary behavior. In fact, it has been seen regularly in Hawaii, Thailand, Japan, Australia and South Africa.įor its part, the giant manta ray extends widely in tropical and temperate waters of the Indian, Pacific and Atlantic, between 31 degrees north and 36 degrees south latitude. The reef manta ray has a wider distribution than the giant manta ray ( Manta birostris), but their sightings are very common especially in the Indian Ocean from the Red Sea to the western Indian Ocean and from Thailand to Indian waters that bathe eastern Australia. In turn, the Atlantic Ocean has also become home to the species, but sightings in its waters have been rare. If it comes to the reef manta ( Manta alfredi) the range mainly covers tropical and subtropical waters of the Indian and Pacific oceans, although its distribution is not continuous and there may be areas where manta rays are not present. Therefore, they are not species that tolerate low temperatures, and instead thrive in warm waters.Įach species has a specific distribution.

Broadly speaking, manta rays are distributed in tropical, subtropical and temperate oceans worldwide. Manta rays are marine animals whose life passes quietly in salt water. Manta Ray Habitat and Distribution Where do manta rays live?

Giant manta ray aquarium