Enormous giant oceanic manta ray swimming in the waters near an offshore rig in Trinidad - Video ©️ by @shiva.selwyn The giant manta ray is the largest ray and one of the biggest fishes in the world; reaching widths of up to 29 feet (8.8 m). #mantaray #oceans #videooftheday #oceanlife https://instagram.com/shiva.selwyn?igshid=3vyvu9pyt1i6 | Ocean Magazine

Manta Rays are among the largest animals in the ocean 🌊 Their bodies are covered in a mucus film that protects them life-threatening bacteria. Video by Georgia Aquarium | Animal Planet

There are a few key differences to tell manta rays and stingrays—like this eagle ray—apart. First and foremost, size. Stingrays typically grow to a comparatively modest ~2.1m (~7 ft) from tip to tail (vs the manta's average of 4.5m [15ft]). Also, a stingray's mouth is on the underside of its body while a manta's is located on the front. And last—but not least—the tail: Manta rays do not have a stinger or barb, whereas a lot of stingrays do (so... that explains the name). Either way, we find watc