Atlantic Manta Now

: Their gill plates are highly valued in some international markets for traditional medicinal tonics, despite no scientific evidence of health benefits.

: Because they frequent shallow coastal waters more than oceanic mantas, they are at higher risk for boat strikes and plastic pollution.

: They often display lighter coloration around the mouth and eyes compared to the much darker faces of the giant oceanic manta. Range and Habitat atlantic manta

: They possess V-shaped white shoulder patches that taper toward the back, unlike the T-shaped, even-width markings of the giant oceanic manta.

Like all members of the genus Mobula , Atlantic mantas are . They use their paddle-like cephalic fins to scoop plankton and small crustaceans into their wide, terminal mouths. : Their gill plates are highly valued in

The Atlantic manta ray is endemic to the . Its habitat stretches from the northeastern United States (as far north as Massachusetts) down to southeastern Brazil.

: Their dark spots are clustered primarily around the lower abdomen and do not extend between the gills—a trait more common in reef mantas. Range and Habitat : They possess V-shaped white

: They possess the largest brain-to-body weight ratio of any living fish, contributing to their reputation for curiosity and social interaction with divers.