# Reef manta ray

> A large ray that filters zooplankton and uses coastal and reef areas. Learn its identity, feeding behaviour, and why observation needs to leave it space.

Source: https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/reef-manta-ray/ · Updated 7 October 2026 · English · Bahasa Indonesia: https://panduanhewan.org/id/spesies/pari-manta-karang/
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**Review status:** Approved by team on 2026-10-07. Approval covers this version’s narrative, facts, quick answers and recorded locations in both languages.

## Quick answer

The reef manta ray (*Mobula alfredi*) is a marine animal in the family Mobulidae. Range in Indonesia: Four key regions studied: Berau, Nusa Penida, Komodo and Raja Ampat. Diet: zooplankton; a carnivore. IUCN Red List status: Vulnerable. It is a legally protected species in Indonesia (Fisheries Decree 4/2014).

| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | *Mobula alfredi* |
| Former scientific name | *Manta alfredi* |
| Indonesian name | Pari manta karang |
| Group | Marine |
| Family | Mobulidae |
| Range in Indonesia | Four key regions studied: Berau, Nusa Penida, Komodo and Raja Ampat |
| Linked habitats | [Coral Reefs](https://panduanhewan.org/en/habitats/coral-reefs/) |
| Food | Zooplankton |
| Habitat | Coastal and reef waters |
| IUCN status | Vulnerable · [IUCN Red List (via GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/species/9241141) · checked 1 October 2026 |
| Legal protection in Indonesia | Protected · [Fisheries Decree 4/2014](https://jdih.kkp.go.id/peraturan/-2014kepmenkp004_1706597849.pdf) |
| Disc width | Average 3–3.5 m; maximum recorded 4.31 m · [Manta Trust — Reef manta ray (Mobula alfredi)](https://www.mantatrust.org/mobula-alfredi) |
| Lifespan | Likely around 40 years · [Manta Trust — Reef manta ray (Mobula alfredi)](https://www.mantatrust.org/mobula-alfredi) |
| Diet type | Carnivore (meat-eater) — zooplankton filter-feeder · [Animal Diversity Web](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Manta_alfredi/) |
| Reproduction | Ovoviviparity: eggs hatch inside the mother and live young are born · [Animal Diversity Web](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Manta_alfredi/) |
| Venom or poison | Not venomous · [FishBase: Mobula alfredi species summary](https://www.fishbase.se/summary/Mobula-alfredi.html) |

## Reef mantas have a distinct identity

Mobula alfredi is distinct from the oceanic manta Mobula birostris. Body patterns and other features help specialists distinguish them; size alone is insufficient. This profile concerns reef mantas, so oceanic-manta research cannot always be applied directly.

Evidence: [Manta Trust — Mobula alfredi](https://www.mantatrust.org/mobula-alfredi)

## Reefs are not their food

Reef mantas filter zooplankton from the water. Reefs and surrounding waters provide activity space; this does not mean mantas eat coral. The distinction helps explain why currents, food availability, and coastal conditions affect where animals appear.

Evidence: [Manta Trust — Mobula alfredi](https://www.mantatrust.org/mobula-alfredi)

## Natural patterns support research

Manta Trust provides photo protocols for identifying individuals from natural markings. Setyawan and colleagues (2025) complemented photo research with satellite tracking in four Indonesian regions. No observed travel between regions during tracking does not establish that such travel never occurs. Do not pursue mantas for a camera angle.

Evidence: [Manta Trust — Guides and photo identification](https://www.mantatrust.org/guides-infographics) · [Setyawan et al. (2025) — Satellite tracking of reef mantas in four Indonesian regions](https://birdsheadseascape.com/download/research/2025_Setyawan-et-al_Indonesia-reef-mantas-satellite-tracking.pdf) · [Manta Trust — Swim with mantas code](https://swimwithmantas.org/)

## Cleaning stations need space

Mantas may visit sites where cleaner fish attend them. Manta Trust guidance asks divers to remain beside these areas and keep the animal’s route open. A manta’s presence is not an invitation to touch; let it determine direction and encounter length.

Evidence: [Manta Trust — Swim with mantas code](https://swimwithmantas.org/)

## From observation to protection

Fisheries targeting gill plates and human disturbance are manta conservation concerns. Choose operators that explain rules before entering the water. Busy visitor numbers should be considered alongside animal behaviour and site management, rather than treated as evidence of conservation success.

Evidence: [Manta Trust — Mobula alfredi](https://www.mantatrust.org/mobula-alfredi) · [Manta Trust — Swim with mantas code](https://swimwithmantas.org/)

## Scientific classification of the Reef manta ray

| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Chondrichthyes |
| Order | Myliobatiformes |
| Family | Mobulidae |
| Genus | *Mobula* |
| Species | *Mobula alfredi* |

Source: [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c)

## Common questions about the reef manta ray

### What is the scientific name of the reef manta ray?

The scientific name of the reef manta ray is *Mobula alfredi*, in the family Mobulidae. In Indonesian it is called Pari manta karang. A former scientific name still often used: *Manta alfredi*.

### What kind of animal is the reef manta ray?

The reef manta ray is a marine animal in the family Mobulidae. By diet it is a carnivore (meat-eater): a zooplankton filter-feeder.

### Where does the reef manta ray live in Indonesia?

In Indonesia, this guide records the reef manta ray in: Four key regions studied: Berau, Nusa Penida, Komodo and Raja Ampat.

Source-supported habitats: [Coral Reefs](https://panduanhewan.org/en/habitats/coral-reefs/).

### What does the reef manta ray eat?

Diet of the reef manta ray: zooplankton. That makes it a carnivore (meat-eater). Source: [Animal Diversity Web](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Manta_alfredi/).

### How does the reef manta ray reproduce?

The reef manta ray reproduces by ovoviviparity: eggs hatch inside the mother and live young are born. Usually a single pup (occasionally two) after about 12 months' gestation. The embryo has no placenta but is also fed a nutritious uterine secretion, which some sources (ADW) call aplacental viviparity. Source: [Animal Diversity Web](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Manta_alfredi/).

### Is the reef manta ray venomous?

No. The reef manta ray is not venomous. Unlike stingrays, manta rays have no stinging spine on the tail. Source: [FishBase: Mobula alfredi species summary](https://www.fishbase.se/summary/Mobula-alfredi.html).

Do not catch, handle or disturb wild animals. If bitten, stung or exposed to its toxins, go to the nearest health facility straight away.

### What are the main features of the reef manta ray?

Key features of the reef manta ray, from this guide’s sources: Disc width: Average 3–3.5 m; maximum recorded 4.31 m.

### How big is the reef manta ray?

Disc width: Average 3–3.5 m; maximum recorded 4.31 m. Source: [Manta Trust — Reef manta ray (Mobula alfredi)](https://www.mantatrust.org/mobula-alfredi).

### What is the scientific classification of the reef manta ray?

Scientific classification of the reef manta ray: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Chondrichthyes, order Myliobatiformes, family Mobulidae, genus *Mobula*, species *Mobula alfredi*.

Source: [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c), adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology.

### Is the reef manta ray endangered?

Yes. On the IUCN Red List, the reef manta ray is listed as Vulnerable: it is considered to face a high risk of extinction in the wild. Source: [IUCN Red List (via GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/species/9241141), checked 1 October 2026.

This global category is separate from national legal protection. [Is the reef manta ray protected in Indonesia?](#protected)

### Is the reef manta ray protected in Indonesia?

Yes. The reef manta ray (*Mobula alfredi*) is a protected species in Indonesia under [Marine Affairs and Fisheries Ministerial Decree No. 4/KEPMEN-KP/2014 on full protection of manta rays](https://jdih.kkp.go.id/peraturan/-2014kepmenkp004_1706597849.pdf); the annex lists it as *Manta alfredi*.

If you see this animal being traded, kept or injured, contact the [local BKSDA office](https://panduanhewan.org/en/bksda-offices/) or the local marine and fisheries office.

## Sources & references

1. [Manta Trust — Mobula alfredi](https://www.mantatrust.org/mobula-alfredi)
2. [Manta Trust — Guides and photo identification](https://www.mantatrust.org/guides-infographics)
3. [Manta Trust — Swim with mantas code](https://swimwithmantas.org/)
4. [Setyawan et al. (2025) — Satellite tracking of reef mantas in four Indonesian regions](https://birdsheadseascape.com/download/research/2025_Setyawan-et-al_Indonesia-reef-mantas-satellite-tracking.pdf)
5. [Keputusan Menteri Kelautan dan Perikanan Nomor 4/KEPMEN-KP/2014 tentang Penetapan Status Perlindungan Penuh Ikan Pari Manta](https://jdih.kkp.go.id/peraturan/-2014kepmenkp004_1706597849.pdf)
6. [Animal Diversity Web](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Manta_alfredi/)
7. [FishBase: Mobula alfredi species summary](https://www.fishbase.se/summary/Mobula-alfredi.html)
8. [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c)

## Further reading

[Manta ray: facts, threats and conservation](https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/wildlife-guides/manta-ray/) — World Animal Rescue Network. A broader overview that covers this animal.

_Related site: PanduanHewan’s founder is also a director of World Animal Rescue Network._

## Keep exploring

- [Whale shark](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/whale-shark/)
- [Coral Reefs](https://panduanhewan.org/en/habitats/coral-reefs/)
- [Misool Foundation](https://panduanhewan.org/en/organisations/misool-foundation/)
- [Gili Eco Trust](https://panduanhewan.org/en/organisations/gili-eco-trust/)
- [Oceanic Manta Ray](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/mobula-birostris/)
- [Humphead wrasse](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/humphead-wrasse/)
- [Giant clam](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/giant-clam/)

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Cite: PanduanHewan. (2026). Reef manta ray. PanduanHewan.org. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/reef-manta-ray/