DIVE-SEEK field image · species photo unavailableray · manta
Reef manta ray
Mobula alfredi
Large coastal manta that gathers at reef cleaning stations and plankton blooms.
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Quick facts
The Reef manta ray (Mobula alfredi) is a marine species divers can encounter. Typical size: 300–400 cm. Usually seen at 5–25 m depth. Where to see it: Malapascua, Aliwal Shoal, Raja Ampat (October–April) and Palau.
Summarised from DIVE-SEEK's recorded catalogue data; omitted values are not yet recorded.
Taxonomic rank
species
Typical size
300–400 cm (disc_width)
Maximum size
500 cm
Typical depth
5–25 m
Maximum depth
400 m
Conservation status
Research in progress
Photography difficulty
3 /5
Activity pattern
Diurnal.
Description
Accepted genus is Mobula; the synonym Manta alfredi is confirmed unaccepted by WoRMS (AphiaID 1042871 accepted, 298794 unaccepted). Colour morphs including all-black individuals are the same species. Conservation status not populated pending a verified Red List reading.
Habitat
Coastal reefs, atoll lagoons and channels.
Behaviour
Hovers at cleaning stations and barrel-rolls through dense plankton.
Diet
Zooplankton.
Social behaviour
Aggregates at cleaning and feeding sites without true schooling.
Photography notes
Stay low and still below the cleaning station. Wide angle, shoot upward, never chase.
Ask about Reef 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.
Malapascua
Philippines
Encounter likelihood: rare
Aliwal Shoal
South Africa
Encounter likelihood: rare
Raja Ampat
Indonesia
Encounter likelihood: seasonal
Palau
Palau
Encounter likelihood: Research in progress
Komodo
Indonesia
Encounter likelihood: Research in progress
Maldives
Maldives
Encounter likelihood: Research in progress
Ef Na
Indonesia
Encounter likelihood: Research in progress
Provenance — each verified claim is linked to its source as records are published.