DIVE-SEEK field image · species photo unavailableray · manta
Oceanic manta ray
Mobula birostris
The largest ray in the ocean, roaming open water and visiting seamounts.
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Quick facts
The Oceanic manta ray (Mobula birostris) is a marine species divers can encounter. Typical size: 400–550 cm. Usually seen at 10–40 m depth. Where to see it: Raja Ampat (October–April), Cocos Island, Galápagos Islands and Aliwal Shoal.
Summarised from DIVE-SEEK's recorded catalogue data; omitted values are not yet recorded.
Taxonomic rank
species
Typical size
400–550 cm (disc_width)
Maximum size
700 cm
Typical depth
10–40 m
Maximum depth
700 m
Conservation status
Research in progress
Photography difficulty
4 /5
Activity pattern
Diurnal.
Description
Accepted genus is Mobula; Manta birostris is the retained synonym. Larger and more oceanic than the reef manta, with a distinct dorsal pattern. Conservation status not populated pending a verified Red List reading.
Habitat
Open ocean, seamounts and offshore islands.
Behaviour
Long-distance cruising, visiting seamount cleaning stations.
Diet
Zooplankton and small schooling fish.
Social behaviour
Mostly solitary.
Photography notes
Encounters are brief and often deep. Prefocus wide, expose for the white underside.
Ask about Oceanic manta ray
Answers are built only from our cited catalogue records — where data is missing, the assistant says so instead of guessing.
Where to see it
Destinations
Encounter records link species to destinations only when a verified source supports them.
Raja Ampat
Indonesia
Encounter likelihood: seasonal
Cocos Island
Costa Rica
Encounter likelihood: occasional
Galápagos Islands
Ecuador
Encounter likelihood: Research in progress
Aliwal Shoal
South Africa
Encounter likelihood: Research in progress
Bay of Islands
New Zealand
Encounter likelihood: Research in progress
Provenance — each verified claim is linked to its source as records are published.