Mobula alfredi
Encounter Rate
Spotting Difficulty
Best Season
November - April
Depth Range
1-40 meters
The reef manta ray is one of Komodo National Park's most iconic marine residents and a highlight of any diving trip to the region. With wingspans reaching up to 5.5 metres, these gentle giants are filter feeders that glide gracefully through the water column, scooping up vast quantities of zooplankton. In Komodo, reef mantas are frequently encountered at well-known cleaning stations where small wrasses and cleaner fish remove parasites from their bodies. Each individual can be identified by the unique pattern of spots on its belly, much like a human fingerprint. Reef mantas display remarkable intelligence, possessing the largest brain-to-body ratio of any fish species. Divers visiting Komodo between November and March have the highest chances of witnessing spectacular feeding aggregations, where dozens of mantas barrel-roll at the surface in plankton-rich currents. These majestic creatures are classified as Vulnerable due to targeted fishing and bycatch in many parts of their range, making Komodo's protected waters a vital refuge.
Average Size
3-3.5m wingspan
Size Range
2-5.5m
Maximum Size
5.5m
Filter feeder that consumes large quantities of zooplankton, including copepods, mysid shrimp, and planktonic larvae. Feeds by swimming with its cephalic fins unfurled to funnel plankton-rich water into its wide mouth and over its gill plates.
The reef manta ray is one of Komodo National Park's most iconic marine residents and a highlight of any diving trip to the region. With wingspans reaching up to 5.5 metres, these gentle giants are filter feeders that glide gracefully through the water column, scooping up vast quantities of zooplankton. In Komodo, reef mantas are frequently encountered at well-known cleaning stations where small wrasses and cleaner fish remove parasites from their bodies. Each individual can be identified by the unique pattern of spots on its belly, much like a human fingerprint. Reef mantas display remarkable intelligence, possessing the largest brain-to-body ratio of any fish species. Divers visiting Komodo between November and March have the highest chances of witnessing spectacular feeding aggregations, where dozens of mantas barrel-roll at the surface in plankton-rich currents. These majestic creatures are classified as Vulnerable due to targeted fishing and bycatch in many parts of their range, making Komodo's protected waters a vital refuge.
This species plays an important role in the marine ecosystem of Komodo National Park. Responsible diving practices help protect these animals and their habitat for future generations.
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Manta Point (Karang Makassar) and Manta Alley are the two most reliable sites. Manta Point is a shallow reef where mantas feed and visit cleaning stations, while Manta Alley channels strong currents that attract feeding mantas.
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