Difference Between Manta Rays and StingraysFeb 22 2025 | Island Info | Posted by Noey Widiarsa |
Manta rays and stingrays are similar but different sea creatures. Knowing the difference between the two is especially important if you plan to swim with one. Let's explore these two amazing sea creatures.
Both have very similar body shapes, although certain parts differ significantly. At first glance, they could be considered the same sea creature. Their body shape is flattened so that it looks very wide, and the body size of adult rays can be "vast", like that of a giant.
Their tails are also equally long, which is why they are often confused. More than that, we can also see similarities in their movements in the water. Because of these similarities, we can agree that they are the same species.
If we look deeper, they both give birth to children, have cartilage, and many other similarities.
Now we know that some things make stingrays and manta rays so similar. Even so, we are safer swimming with manta rays than stingrays. That's why we, as tour operators, provide the opportunity for snorkelers to swim with manta rays in full gear.
Here's a full explanation of how stingrays and manta rays differ:
These two species have different defense mechanisms, which we can see from the difference in their tails. From the characteristics of the tail, we can easily distinguish between the two. The tail of the stingray is longer than that of the manta ray, and it is also thinner.
Stingrays have a superior defense because their tail has a venomous sting, so they can be safer from predators. Although it has a powerful sting, it is dangerous for humans. If a diver accidentally touches or steps on it, it is very painful.
The consequences of being stung by a stingray can range from severe pain to serious swelling. If not treated promptly, severe infections can develop, or dangerous medical complications. Being stung in certain vital spots can be even more dangerous and can even kill the diver. Stingrays don't always have dangerous stingers, but most do.
Manta ray tails look less intimidating because they are shorter. More importantly, they don't have venomous stingers on their tails. Although some species do, there is no dangerous poison in it.
They rely on the sting for self-defense but not their active mechanism. Instead of relying on their tail, they prefer to escape quickly. Due to their size, the manta ray's natural enemies are not that many.
The manta ray's diet is small organisms such as crustaceans, fish larvae, and plankton. They open their mouths and use their gills to filter the water. Their gills have a special structure to effectively hold plankton. This is further helped by protrusions (cephalic lobes) that can better direct food.
The diet of stingrays is more varied and they often forage for food on the ocean floor. Small fish, crustaceans, and molluscas make up their diet. Stingrays have specialized organs with sensory functions to locate prey. They have strong jaws that can easily devour shelled marine animals.
Since the stingray's habitat is the seafloor, it is only natural that they forage there. Manta rays sometimes swim up to the surface, such as when they swim at the cleaning station.
Differentiating between a stingray and a manta ray can be quite easy by looking at their body size. Stingrays are usually smaller than manta rays. One species that has an amazing size is Manta birostris whose wingspan can reach 7 meters.
Stingrays are at least between 0.5-2 meters wide. Certain species of stingrays may have a wingspan of more than that but they are not easy to find. Let's explore more details about their body characteristics.
Manta rays have a rhombus-shaped body and long pointed pectoral fins. These fins can support the manta ray to swim long distances and even move acrobatically in the ocean. It is quite different from the stingray whose body is more circular than the manta ray.
The fins of stingrays are also shorter but that can support ease of movement on the seabed (their habitat).
Both fertilize internally but the stingray is ovoviviparous while the manta ray is viviparous. Manta rays do not need to lay any eggs at all to give birth to their young. Stingrays have embryos in their eggs that will hatch in time to give birth to their young.
Manta ray embryos get their nourishment from egg yolks and nutrients from the mother. Manta ray babies are born precocial, or perfectly formed so they can forage for food on their own. Manta rays require over a year of gestation until their babies are born precocial.
Stingrays have more newborns because of their survival orientation. Life on the seafloor is harsher so they have specialized reproductive strategies.
Lembongantrip.com is ready to give you an unforgettable experience swimming with manta rays. You will explore the best snorkeling spots in Nusa Penida or Nusa Lembongan (Bali, Indonesia).
FAQ
Are stingrays the same as manta rays?
They are quite different in size but more significantly, the manta ray's tail has no spines. Stingrays have dangerous barbs at the base of the tail so manta rays are safer for humans than stingrays.
How do you know it's a stingray?
It has a long tail, no fins on the tail, and a back. Stingrays are so large that they measure at least 1 meter or more (though often larger than manta rays) and their discs vary in shape, such as diamonds, or rounded.
Is it safe to swim with manta rays?
Until now, many people have been interested in snorkeling with manta rays. The Manta ray is one of the pacifist marine animals that does not threaten the presence of humans nearby.
Are manta rays intelligent?
The intelligence level of manta rays is considered as high as that of dolphins. Manta rays can map their surroundings using their sense of smell and have a powerful memory.
What should I do if a stingray approaches?
You can drag your feet in the sand to give them time and motive to move away from you. Inform the boat operator or lifeguard immediately if anyone is stung by a stingray.
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Last changed: Feb 22 2025 at 1:43 PM
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