#Biggest manta ray skin#

These rays have markings on the underside of their bodies that are unique to each fish – like fingerprints for humans.

#Biggest manta ray skin#

Their skin is pretty incredibly too, as it’s covered in mucus to protect it from disease and infections. They have an enormous wingspan of up over 8.5 meters (about 29 feet) and can weigh up to 2.4 tons (5,300 lbs). Mantas are one of the largest fish species in the ocean. On top of all of that, they are able to map their underwater environment by using sight and smell. Manta rays can also pass the mirror test, a test used to determine whether an animal possesses the ability of visual self-recognition. Like elephants, dolphins, and apes, they have shown high levels of intelligence and long-term memory ability. Manta rays have one of the largest brain-to-body ratios of any fish. They also have two fins shaped like horns sticking up from their heads, which led to manta rays being given the nickname “Devil Fish.” It perfectly describes the appearance of the animal's large, flat, diamond-shaped bodies, which are symbolized by triangle-shaped pectoral fins. The name “Manta” comes from the Spanish language and means 'blanket' or 'cloak'. Let’s quell some of those unwarranted fears with 10 fun facts about these majestic ocean creatures. Don’t fret though, because manta rays don’t actually pose any threat to humans. They also happen to be related to another popular ocean creature… sharks! Rays, sharks and skates are all known as elasmobranchs because they have skeletons made out of cartilage instead of the usual bone.ĭue to the relation to their toothy cousins (and to the stingray) people can mistake manta rays for scary predators.

Manta rays are one of the most unique and eye-catching animals on planet earth.