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Shaytan el-Bahr
Reef Manta Ray
Mobula alfredi
Advanced⚠️ ProtectedMobulidae
A magnificent filter-feeding ray with broad triangular wings, cephalic head fins and a graceful, soaring flight through the water. It gathers at Red Sea cleaning stations and plankton-rich coastal sites, where it loops and somersaults while feeding.
Quick facts
- Family
- Mobulidae
- Scientific name
- Mobula alfredi
- Typical size
- 300–500 cm
- Record weight
- up to 700 kg
- Depth
- 0–120 m
- Status
- ⚠️ Protected
- Habitat
- Coastal reefs, cleaning stations and plankton-rich shallows along the mainland coast
Protected · observe only
This is a protected or non-target species — please don't fish for it. If it's accidentally hooked, release it quickly and unharmed.
Eating & safety
Completely harmless filter feeders; never touch them as it removes their protective mucus layer.
Best seasons
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Best conditions: Plankton blooms at coastal cleaning stations from late spring through autumn
Did you know?
Manta rays have the largest brain-to-body ratio of any fish and can recognise themselves in mirrors.