These rays tend to have a width of 9.8 to 11.5 feet, though they’ve been recorded with a width of up to 18 feet – that’s the same height as a giraffe! The reef manta ray, however, is much smaller, though it’s still one of the largest fish you’ll find in the ocean. While that’s only a fraction of some of the other largest critters under the sea, it’s still around the same size as a car! Reef Manta Ray Size They have a “wingspan” or disc width of up to 30 feet! That’s around the same size as your typical Routemaster Double-Decker bus, and only a few feet smaller than a telephone pole! If you were to compare their wingspan to some of the largest birds of prey, it would also take nearly four bald eagles side by side with their wings expanded to equal the same width as the giant manta ray!Ī typical adult giant ray can reach weights of up to 3,600 pounds. The giant manta ray is the larger of the two species. In fact, the only thing that creates a distinction of three tiny differences: their coloration, their habitat, and, you guessed it, their size. While scientists used to believe there were only one species of manta ray, they’ve now discovered that there are two: the giant manta ray and the reef manta ray.Īt a first glance, it may not seem like these two sea creatures have too many differences.

Manta rays get the nickname “devil fish” for their two large horns. After all, could you imagine riding on the back of a stingray? Probably not, but after reading this, you may just see yourself swimming through the ocean on the back of these gentle giants of the deep! Manta Ray Size While related to the manta ray, their size doesn’t even come close to their large ocean cousins. If you live by the coast or have visited an aquarium, you may be familiar with stingrays. However, do you know just how big these devil fish really are? When you see this manta ray size comparison, it might just surprise you. Manta rays are one of the biggest cold-blooded fish!Īs the largest ray and one of the largest fish in the sea, it’s no surprise that the manta ray is big.

Manta ray size comparison