# Are Manta Rays Endangered?

> Are manta rays endangered? Status Endangered, main threats, and what protection means.

- **Species:** Manta Ray (*Mobula birostris*)
- **Conservation status:** Endangered
- **Diet:** Filter feeder (plankton)
- **Habitat:** Tropical and subtropical open ocean
- **Lifespan:** Up to 40 years or more
- **Canonical HTML:** https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/manta-ray/are-manta-ray-endangered/
- **Parent profile:** https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/manta-ray/
- **Last reviewed:** 2026-07-16

## Quick answer

The giant manta ray (Mobula birostris) is the largest ray in the ocean, with a wingspan reaching up to 7 m (23 ft) and a weight of up to 1,400 kg (3,000 lb). It swims through tropical and subtropical open seas by flapping its broad pectoral fins like wings, filtering plankton from the water. Despite its size it is harmless to people, and it can live 40 years or more. The IUCN lists it as Endangered.

## Who should skip this page

Skip this if you need the full biology — use the [Manta Ray profile](https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/manta-ray/) instead.

## Size and appearance

The giant manta ray is the largest of all rays, spanning up to 7 m (23 ft) from wing tip to wing tip and weighing as much as 1,400 kg (3,000 lb). Its flattened, diamond-shaped body is dark above and pale below, with a unique pattern of blotches on the belly that scientists use to identify individuals. A pair of fleshy cephalic fins projects from either side of its wide mouth, giving the animal its old nickname of "devil ray". Unlike stingrays, the manta has no functional stinging barb on its whip-like tail.

## Help protect the Manta Ray

Ocean wildlife is under mounting pressure from overfishing, bycatch and plastic pollution.

[Donate to wildlife protection](https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/donate/)

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Source: Global Animal Guide (https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/manta-ray/are-manta-ray-endangered/). Licensed CC BY-NC 4.0 — free for non-commercial reuse with attribution.