Oceanic Black Manta

Oceanic/Pelagic Manta Rays - Manta birostris are the biggest ray, growing up to 7 meters in wingspan and weighs up to 3,000 kg!

Manta birostris can come in 2 forms i.e 1) Chevron Manta which is the more common colour form, which has mostly white belly with black spots/markings and 2) Black/Melanistic Manta which is all black on its back and black on the belly with white spots/markings.

Both Oceanic and Reef Manta Rays can be identified individually from the markings on their belly, which is like the finger prints for humans.

This particular Oceanic Black Manta seen during a recent dive trip to the Fuvahmulah atolls of Maldives is newly documented by the Manta Trust of Maldives when I submitted the picture to them.