Reef manta ray (Mobula alfredi).
Image: Rickard Zerpe, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
At a glance
- IUCN category
- VU · Vulnerable
- Animal group
- Fish
- Population trend
- Decreasing
- Last verified
Conservation overview
The reef manta ray is a large, gentle filter-feeding ray of tropical reefs, smaller than the giant manta. It is assessed as Vulnerable.
It visits 'cleaning stations' where small fish remove parasites.
Range & habitat
Tropical and subtropical coastal and reef waters of the Indo-Pacific and beyond.
Major threats
Threats below are drawn from the authoritative sources listed on this page. For the current, complete assessment, see the IUCN Red List.
- Fishing for gill plates
- Bycatch
- A very low reproductive rate
Why it matters
A charismatic reef giant and a major draw for marine tourism, the reef manta ray is a flagship for protecting reefs and curbing fisheries that target rays.
Sources
Sources for Reef Manta Ray
- IUCN Red List — look up Reef Manta Ray (authoritative status)
- Animal Diversity Web
Frequently Asked Questions
What are cleaning stations?
These are spots on the reef where small cleaner fish gather; manta rays visit them to have parasites and dead skin removed, and the same individuals return repeatedly.
Why is the reef manta ray Vulnerable?
Published assessments cite fishing for their gill plates, bycatch, and a very low reproductive rate that makes recovery slow. See the IUCN Red List.
Last updated: