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.
: They often display lighter coloration around the mouth and eyes compared to the much darker faces of the giant oceanic manta. Range and Habitat
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. atlantic manta
: They are impressively large, reaching wingspans of 5 to 6 meters (16 to 20 feet) . For perspective, that is as wide as a standard two-car garage.
: Their dark spots are clustered primarily around the lower abdomen and do not extend between the gills—a trait more common in reef mantas. The Atlantic manta ray is endemic to the
: They have extremely low reproductive rates, typically giving birth to only one pup every two to three years after a year-long gestation. Conservation Challenges
In late 2025, global conservation efforts culminated in a historic listing for all manta and devil ray species, effectively banning legal international trade to protect them from extinction. Atlantic manta ray: science confirms third species Range and Habitat Like all members of the
: They are frequently caught in non-selective fishing gear like drift gillnets.