Kingdom Animalia Phylum Chordata Class Chondrichthyes Order Rajiformes Family Manta Genus Mobulidae Species Giant Manta Ray
Morphology
-Triangular shaped pectoral wings -Paddle-like lobes near the mouth -Width of the Giant Manta Ray is twice its length -Slightly Flattened -Eyes on the side of the head -Bilateral symmetry
Biology
1) It is believed that the Giant Manta Ray is a decendant of a smaller ray. Their size became an adaptation for them.
2) Giant Mantas also had to change their feeding tactics.
Economic Importance
-Tourism and dive industries
Ecological Importance
-Provides protection, transportation, shleter, and a guide to food.
Vocabulary
Pectoral fins- pair of fins on fish (one on each side) behind its gills
Demersal- live primarily on the bottom
Pelagic- swim in the open ocean
Ampullae of Lorenzini- jelly filled canals that can detect electrical and magnetic fields that are used to detect prey
Cloaca- opening that serves a use for reproductive and digestive purposes.
Distribution
Fun Facts
1) curious of humans 2) are approximately 20 million years old 3) enlarged brain that is similar to a mammals 4) two body patters: Cheveron and Black 5) Wound healing and regeneration of tissue is provided by mucus