Manta rays and stingrays are indeed fascinating and graceful marine creatures that capture the attention of many divers and underwater enthusiasts. The incredible similarity in their appearance and swimming style can make it quite challenging to differentiate between the two. Both belonging to the superorder Batoidea, this classification contains over 600 species of rays encompassing 26 different families. It’s no surprise that the distinction between manta rays and stingrays can spark confusion among many.
Despite their striking resemblances, they do possess several unique physical and behavioral characteristics that set them apart. In this article, we’ll ponder over the captivating world of manta rays and stingrays, highlighting nine essential differences that make each species distinct. Additionally, we’ll address some common questions related to these magnificent creatures to eliminate any lingering uncertainties.
Comparing Manta Rays and Stingrays
Devil Rays
Devil rays, considered closely related to manta rays and often mistaken for them, hold the position of the second-largest ray species. Their sizes range from 3.6 to 17.1 feet wide. Often referred to as flying mobula or flying rays, these creatures display a unique behavior of leaping out of the water. Unlike manta rays, some devil rays possess stingers, although they are typically encased and not harmful.
With more than 220 known species of stingrays across 29 different genera, it’s essential to understand and appreciate the wide variety of these creatures. This section provides a comparison of key features between manta rays and stingrays.
| Manta Ray | Stingray | |
| Taxonomy | Subfamily: Mobulidae | Suborder: Myliobatoidei 8 different families |
| Size | 18 to 23 feet wide Up to 2,980 pounds | 10 inches to 6.9 feet wide 5 pounds to 800 pounds |
| Distribution | As far north as North Carolina and as south as New Zealand Warm temperate, subtropical, and tropical waters | Coastal tropical and subtropical waters Warmer temperate oceans Deep ocean Freshwater |
| Tail | No barb | Venomous barb |
| Diet and Feeding Behavior | Filter feeders and macropredators Subsist primarily on zooplankton, shrimp, krill, planktonic crabs, and small fish | Bottom feeders, ambush hunters Diet includes worm, clams, oysters, mussels, shrimp, small fish, and squid |
| Lifespan | Up to 40 years old | 15 to 25 years |
| Intelligence | Very-high intelligence Can pass the mirror test indicating self-awareness | Medium-high intelligence Exhibit behavior including play and simple problem-solving |
| Temperament | Harmless Curious Self-cleaning | Aggressive Playful Shy |
| Mating Rituals | Intricate dance where males follow female movements | Males bite females on the back and fins |
In summary, both manta rays and stingrays showcase unique characteristics and behaviors. While manta rays are more prominent and considered highly intelligent, stingrays exhibit a wide range of sizes and temperaments. Each species of ray contributes to the rich biodiversity of the world’s oceans.
The 9 Key Differences Between Manta Rays and Stingrays
Manta Ray vs Stingray: Classification
While both manta rays and stingrays are part of the order Myliobatiformes, they belong to different families. Manta rays are classified under the family Mobulidae, while stingrays are divided among eight distinct families such as Hexatrygonidae, Plesiobatidae, and Dasyatidae, among others[^1^].
Manta Ray vs Stingray: Dimensions
Manta rays are much larger compared to most stingrays. The giant oceanic ray can reach up to 23 feet wide and weigh nearly 2,980 pounds, while the reef manta ray can be up to 18 feet wide[^2^]. On the other hand, stingrays vary widely in size, with the smallest ones measuring only 10 inches wide and the largest ones like giant freshwater stingrays reaching up to 8 feet wide[^3^].
Manta Ray vs Stingray: Habitat and Range
Manta rays primarily reside in warm temperate, subtropical, and tropical waters, either in open oceans or near coastal reefs[^4^]. In contrast, stingrays have a more extensive distribution and can be found in various habitats, including seafloors, reefs, freshwater rivers, and open oceans for some species[^5^].
Manta Ray vs Stingray: Characteristics of the Tail
A significant difference between manta rays and stingrays lies in their tails. Manta rays have tail without a barb, rendering them harmless to humans[^6^]. Most stingrays, however, possess venomous spines at the base of their tails that can deliver painful stings when threatened[^7^].
Manta Ray vs Stingray: Diet and Feeding Patterns
Manta rays are filter feeders with their mouths at the front of their bodies. They consume zooplankton like shrimp, krill, and planktonic crabs while swimming near the ocean surface[^8^]. Conversely, stingrays are mostly bottom feeders that crush the shells of mollusks, worms, shrimp, and other prey with their specialized jaws. Some deep-sea stingrays are also ambush hunters, burying themselves in the sand and capturing small fish or squid that swim too close[^9^].
Manta Ray vs Stingray: Life Expectancy
Manta rays have a considerably longer lifespan compared to stingrays, often living up to 40 years in the wild[^10^]. Most stingrays, on the other hand, have a lifespan ranging between 15 to 25 years[^11^].
Manta Ray vs Stingray: Cognitive Abilities
Manta rays are considered among the most intelligent animals globally, having the largest brains and the highest brain-to-body ratio among fish[^12^]. Stingrays display more modest levels of intelligence, exhibiting the ability to manipulate objects for food and engaging in playful activities for amusement[^13^].
Manta Ray vs Stingray: Disposition
Manta rays are gentle, curious, and pose no threat to humans due to their filter feeding behavior and lack of a stinger[^14^]. Stingrays, however, exhibit a more varied temperament, being shy, playful, and occasionally aggressive when cornered[^15^].
Manta Ray vs Stingray: Mating Customs
The mating rituals of manta rays and stingrays differ significantly from each other. Female manta rays engage in acrobatic performances to select their preferred male partner from a group of suitors[^16^]. In contrast, male stingrays bite females on their back or fins as part of their courtship, with the struggle ceasing once the female accepts the male’s advances[^17^].
Frequently Asked Questions About Manta Rays and Stingrays
Manta rays and stingrays are intriguing marine creatures often compared to each other. Unlike some marine species, like mollusks and crustaceans, neither of them lay eggs. Instead, manta rays give birth to one or two pups, while stingrays typically have two to six pups at a time.
When it comes to speed, stingrays hold the advantage, able to reach speeds of up to 30 miles per hour. In comparison, manta rays can achieve escape speeds of about 20 miles per hour. While these creatures may face various predators, they are skilled at hunting and evading other marine life, often performing intricate maneuvers like somersaults to feed on invertebrates such as squid and fish eggs.