Manta Rays and Sting Rays} What's the Difference?

Manta rays and string rays are widely confused due to their similar flat body shape, but they are different types of rays with different characteristics. Many, including me have come across the belief that they are one of the same things but here’s the truth…

Manta Rays are ocean roamers who live in open waters often visiting cleaning stations where small fish remove parasites from their skin. You would most commonly find manta rays swimming in the water and even jumping feet above the water (a method called breaching) a technique where manta rays launch themselves out of the water clearing their surface, but you will never find them resting on the bottom. Mantas are constant swimmers because they need a flow of water over their gills it is what provides them with the ability to breathe. String rays live in a completely different way; they spend much of their time moving below in sandy seafloors. Many sting rays bury themselves in a thin layer of sand as a form of camouflage and a method of ambush. Manta rays and Sting rays also have very distinct diets. A mantas diet features mainly on plankton, shrimps and fish larvae and can consume 12% of their body weight in plankton (stated by Manta Ray Advocates), On the other hand stingrays search for small fish, crabs,shrimps,mollusks, and worms.

Manta Rays and String Rays also have very different defence mechanisms. A manta ray is a large and agile creature who is quite calm and when threatened swims away. However, stingrays are camouflaged to avoid predators and when threatened most swim away but may feel the need to defend itself by whipping its tail. This is the mechanism that was used by a short, tailed stingray that led to the tragic death of Steve Irwin in 2006. Steve Irwin once said, "It's never the animal's fault, it's always my fault. I know what I'm going up against when I go in, and if I take a hit, it's my fault." 

A fact that truly shocked me was the mating differences of manta rays and sting rays. When manta rays mate a female will attract a variety of potential males. She will then accompany each male in a series of aerobatic movements creating an intricate dance. The Mating of sting rays however is neither gentle nor romantic. During Mating a male stringray will bite the female on the back of her fins while they appear to struggle during mating they cease once they consent to the male.

Manta Rays and Sting Rays although different they are both magnificent creatures who deserve our attention and respect ,there are a number of ways you can provide support if you are interested in their conservation which provides them with countless support against overfihing,bycatching,habitat destruction and human disturbance.

Sources: Sea Paradise, Ocean Conservancy, Manta Ray Advocates