When I’m swimming in the ocean, it’s always in the back of my mind that a ray could be underfoot. They’re flat, well-camouflaged and downright scary. Remember how Steve Irwin died? As I researched facts about manta rays, though, I began to calm my fears. Here are five cool facts about these giants of the ocean:
Giants of the Ocean: Manta Rays is a non-fiction resource for readers in Grades 3 – 5.
- A manta ray is the largest of 534 species of rays and can weigh up to 3,000 pounds (1650 kilograms).
- A manta ray does not have a barbed tail and its mouth is at the front of its head, not underneath.
- It has 18 rows of tiny teeth used to filter food, not bite or chew.
- Scientists can identify a manta ray by the unique pattern of spots on its white underside – like a fingerprint.
- A newborn manta ray pup is about 4 feet (1.2 m) wide and will grow to about 22 feet (6.7m) wide.
Manta rays are graceful, gentle creatures – but I have to admit that their alien-like appearance still freaks me out!
