Reef manta ray

The reef manta ray (Manta alfredi)[2] is a species of ray in the family Mobulidae, one of the largest rays in the world. Among generally recognized species, it is the second-largest species of ray, only surpassed by the giant oceanic manta ray (a currently unrecognized species from the Caribbean region also appears to be larger than the reef manta ray).[3]
The species was described in 1868 by Gerard Krefft, the director of the Australian Museum. He named it M. alfredi in honor of Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh, the first member of the British royal family to visit Australia.[4]
Reef manta rays are typically 3 to 3.5 m (9.8 to 11.5 ft) in disc width,[2] with a maximum size of about 5.5 m (18 ft).[3] Long included in M. birostris, the status of the reef manta ray as a separate species was only confirmed in 2009.[3]The reef manta ray is found widely in the tropical and subtropical Indo-Pacific, but with a few records from the tropical East Atlantic and none from the West Atlantic or East Pacific.[3][5] Compared to the giant oceanic manta ray, the reef manta ray tends to be found in shallower, more coastal habitats,[3][5] but local migrations are sometimes reported.[6] Manta birostris is similar in appearance to Manta alfredi and the two species may be confused as their distribution overlaps. However, there are distinguishing features.
Category:Animals
Category:Creatures