Do you know how to tell the difference between an Oceanic manta ray (Manta birostris) and a Reef manta ray (Manta alfredi)? Reef mantas are the smaller of the two species, with a disc width of 5 meters or less compared to the disc width of an oceanic manta that can reach up to 7 meters, and is the largest ray in the world.(Oceana) Reef mantas also have a predominantly white underside aside from their spots while oceanic mantas are much darker.(Mantamatcher) It’s important to be able to distinguish the difference if you are ever diving with a manta and take a photo identification for research, or if you just want to be able to know what you’re seeing on a dive! Post by: @morganmarie13 #Repost @sharkeducation ・・・ Check out this stunning black manta ray. Both species of manta present 3 color morphs: this black morph, chevron (the classic manta pattern), and leucism. These leucitic mantas have less pigment than usual, and can look very white. They are not albino, as they still have some pigment (their eyes aren’t red). They might have some black on their tops, and very faded markings on their bellies. They are simply much much paler than a normally colored manta.⠀ .⠀ 📸 @bigfishexpeditions⠀ .⠀ Info from Diviac Magazine⠀ #mantas #rays #mantarays #flatsharks #black #sharkeducation #amazing #animals #ocean #wildlife #underwater #photography 💙💙💙💙💙💙💙 #Repost @mantatrust ・・・ WHAT THE DEVIL? It's not just manta rays . . we work to research & protect the devil ray species around the world too – like this spinetail devil ray.⠀ ⠀ In general, devil rays are much smaller than manta rays and when they roll up their cephalic fins they look like horns – hence the name ‘devil rays’. ⠀ ⠀ Manta and devil rays are collectively known as mobulids - there are two (possibly three) manta species and eight devil ray species. ⠀ ⠀ Sadly due to the increasing international trade in mobulid gill plates, many devil ray species numbers have drastically dropped and some are being fished to near extinction - something we are working hard to change before it's too late.⠀ ⠀ Find out more about mobulids by visiting our website. See the link in our bio. ⠀ #devilrays #mantarays #mobulids (at OneOcean Diving) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bz85hgmHIDJ/?igshid=4twpb2sfvhre