Manta Identification Guide
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Manta rays have two distintive sets of markings. The Chevron Manta can be identified by the white shoulder bars and V-shaped marking near the tail and Black Mantas are all black on the dorsal side (back).
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 Dorsal Fin
Tail Section
Shoulder Bars
Pectorial Fin (Wing)
Wing Tip
Chevron
 Disc Fish |
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| CHEVRON MANTA (Dorsal View) |
CHEVRON MANTA (Ventral View)
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Explore manta's various body parts using the mouse.
See if you can locate the shoulder bars, tail section,
pectorial fin, wingtips and mouth parts.
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If the animal has white shoulder patches on its dorsal surface (Chevron Manta), the ventral surface is premoninantly white with dark splotches on the belly and behind the gill openings.
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| BLACK MANTA |
MOBULA |
The Black Manta is all black on its dorsal surface. Generally, if the manta is all black on its dorsal surface,
the ventral surface is also black with a white central blaze.
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Mobulas are related to Manta birostris but are smaller. In addition to their size, mobulas have smaller cephalic fins and their mouths are located further back than Mantas.
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Visit the Kona Manta Ray ID Catalog for additional pictures of males and females.
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