Baby manta rays hunker down close to coasts before facing the open ocean's dangers
Giant manta rays can grow up to nine meters (30 feet) long with a disk size of seven meters (23 feet) across and weigh up to 2,000 kg (4,400 pounds). This size leaves them with very few natural enemies once they reach adulthood at around eight to 10 years old. But giant manta ray babies, called pups, cannot rely on their size to protect them from predators that live in the open ocean, including…
Giant manta rays, which can reach lengths of 9 meters (30 feet) and weigh up to 2,000 kg (4,400 pounds), face different threats depending on their age. Juvenile manta rays, or pups, stay close to coasts where they are safe from predators like sharks and orcas. They prefer shallow coastal waters, using them as refuges that provide food, hiding spots, and services like cleaning.
However, larger adults rely on their size to evade threats and migrate along the continental shelf break. This dual behavior of juveniles and adults highlights the need for conservation strategies that protect both coastal habitats and transboundary migration routes.
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