ray
Giant oceanic manta ray.
Mobula birostris · also: Giant manta, Oceanic manta
The largest ray on Earth, with a wingspan that can exceed 7 m, roaming the open ocean rather than hugging reefs. Born fully independent, a pup must feed and fend for itself from its first moments. Encounters in the Maldives are rarer and more prized than with the resident reef mantas.
Size
Up to ~7 m disc width — the largest ray
Weight
Up to ~2–3 tonnes.
Diet
Zooplankton, often gathered by diving into deep-water plankton layers.
Lifespan
Over 45 years (true maximum uncertain).
Depth
Surface to ~1,000 m; dives into the deep scattering layer.
Reproduction
Live-bearing; a single pup with multi-year intervals between births.
Snorkel or dive
Dive
Best season
Variable / opportunistic
Conservation
Endangered
How to recognise it
Larger than reef manta; sharply defined T-shaped white shoulder patches; small blister at the tail base.
Behaviour
More pelagic than reef mantas; ranges deep current-swept channels and seamounts.
Where to see it in the Maldives
Less common than reef mantas; the deep south, notably Fuvahmulah, and outer oceanic channels.
Conservation
Gill-plate fisheries and bycatch; very low reproductive rate slows recovery.
IUCN · Endangered
Watch them responsibly
Approach from the side, never head-on; no touching or chasing, and don't dive down onto them.
Has the largest brain-to-body ratio of any fish.
Among the most intelligent fish, with exceptionally large brains; uplisted to Endangered in 2019 after sharp declines.
Collective noun: a squadron of rays
Want to dive with giant oceanic manta ray?
Our Maldives specialists match you to the right atoll, season and resort.
Sightings are typical, not guaranteed — encounters vary with season and conditions.