Alfred manta

The second largest species of ray after the giant oceanic manta ray (Mobula birostis). It was considered the same species as the giant oceanic manta ray, however, in recent years they have been classified as two different species. It inhabits temperate and tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific including Okinawa. It has a large body but mainly feeds on tiny plankton. It feeds by using the cephalic fins located on its head to push food into its mouth. They are commonly known as manta or reef manta rays and are very popular with divers. This species can be individually identified by the black patterns on its underside.