The world's largest manta ray was recently observed hunting for food near Jones Beach State Park on Long Island, New York, a popular destination that attracts approximately six million visitors annually. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) shared a video of the creature, which appeared to have another fish riding along its back.
Giant oceanic manta rays, known for their impressive size, can have a wingspan of up to 26 feet and weigh more than 4,000 pounds. These marine animals are filter feeders, consuming large quantities of zooplankton and sometimes foraging for medium-sized fish in deeper waters. While they typically inhabit tropical, subtropical, and temperate oceans, they are known to venture into New York waters during warmer months.
In 2018, giant oceanic manta rays were listed as a threatened species due to significant population declines, largely driven by their valuable gill plates, which are used in international trade and traditional medicines. Their open-ocean habits, solitary nature, and slow reproduction rates make them particularly vulnerable to overfishing and accidental entanglement.
Female manta rays mature slowly, reaching sexual maturity between eight and 10 years old and typically giving birth to only one or two pups every two years. Gestation can last up to 13 months. Researchers have identified potential nursery areas for young manta rays in South Florida, which would be the third such location discovered globally, with others identified in Indonesia and the Gulf of Mexico. However, these animals face threats from urban environments, including boat traffic, pollution, and human activity, which can endanger their development.
The companion fish observed with the manta ray was not identified, though it appeared to be a shark. Sharks do not travel with manta rays as partners, but interactions can occur when sharks use the rays to scratch their skin or, in some cases, hunt them. Smaller fish, such as suckerfish, frequently associate with manta rays for shelter and to scavenge for food.
Encounters with giant manta rays are considered rare, as regional populations are estimated to range from only 600 to 2,000 individuals. The NYSDEC released the video on August 17, but did not specify the exact date the ray was sighted.