Manta rays belong to the family Mobulidae.
While they contain similar attributes, including flattened, boneless bodies and enlarged pectoral fins, the two belong to different families. Manta rays and stingrays belong to the order Myliobatiformes, one of the four groups belonging to the superorder Batoidea. The 9 Key Differences Between Manta Rays and Stingrays Manta Ray vs Stingray: Taxonomy Intricate dance where males follow female movements Medium-high intelligence Exhibit behavior including play and simple problem-solving Very-high intelligence Can pass the mirror test indicating self-awareness Suborder: Myliobatoidei 8 different familiesġ0 inches to 6.9 feet wide 5 pounds to 800 poundsĪs far north as North Carolina and as south as New Zealand Warm temperate, subtropical, and tropical watersĬoastal tropical and subtropical waters Warmer temperate oceans Deep ocean Freshwaterįilter feeders and macropredators Subsist primarily on zooplankton, shrimp, krill, planktonic crabs, and small fishīottom feeders, ambush hunters Diet includes worm, clams, oysters, mussels, shrimp, small fish, and squid Given this wide variety, we’ll attempt to provide descriptions for a range of stingray types and behaviors, with an understanding that other species can range wildly in size, appearance, distribution, and behavior. While manta rays do not possess stingers, some species of devil rays do, although the stinger is generally encased and therefore harmless.Īs for stingrays, scientists currently recognize over 220 known stingray species belonging to 29 different genera.
They also go by flying mobula or flying rays due to their propensity for breaching the ocean surface in giant leaps. They typically measure between 3.6 to 17.1 feet wide. That said, we’ll distinguish them for this article, but have also included a brief description of devil rays here: Devil Raysĭevil rays rank as the second-largest ray species, second only to the manta rays in size. Most scientists consider mantas a junior synonym of the devil rays, given that they share a common ancestor. However, rays often get mistaken with the devil rays of the genera Mobula. When most people think of manta rays, they think of the giant oceanic manta ray or reef manta ray. Finally, we’ll cover some frequently asked questions about manta rays and stingrays to help clear up any lingering confusion. Then, we’ll discuss nine key differences that make them distinct. In this article, we will start by comparing manta rays and stingrays. In addition, they each exhibit unique traits and behaviors that help to distinguish them from each other.
However, it’s easy to spot several distinct physical differences that separate the two fish if you know where to look.
Given this dizzying array of varieties, it’s no wonder that most people find the manta ray vs stingray conversation confusing. Both manta rays and stingrays belong to the superorder Batoidea, which comprises over 600 species of rays distributed in 26 families. Divers worldwide love encountering these intelligent and magnificent creatures, but few can tell them apart due to their many similarities. These cartilaginous fish appear to glide through the water with each flap of their pectoral fins, looking remarkably similar to giant birds in flight. Meet Every Dinosaur Featured in Jurassic World…įew creatures can match the manta ray or stingray when it comes to gracefulness in the water.
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