Manta Ray 111 Giant & Steve LU 050703 Socorro1997

Manta Rays have now (2010) been finally described into two species. One is the Giant Manta Ray, Manta birostris and the smaller Reef Manta Ray, Manta alfredi. The one in this photo is Manta birostris which has a dark-colored mouth area, a non-hearted shape on the nape of its cape and dark patches on the 5th set of gills.