Giant oceanic manta ray

The giant manta ray is the world's largest ray, gliding through tropical and subtropical oceans with wings that can span over 20 feet. Once thought to belong to its own genus, scientists now group it with smaller Mobula rays after genetic studies. These gentle giants cruise open waters but occasionally visit cooler temperate zones.

• Its scientific name changed from Manta to Mobula after DNA studies in 2017.
• Prefers warm tropical waters but sometimes appears in temperate regions.
• Shares closer genetic ties with some Mobula rays than those rays do with each other.