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Reef Manta Ray
Mobula alfredi
Silhouette: M Kolmann · PhyloPic
- KingdomAnimalia (Animals)
- PhylumChordata (Chordates)
- ClassElasmobranchii
- OrderMyliobatiformes (Stingrays)
- FamilyMyliobatidae (Eagle Rays)
- GenusMobula (Devil Rays)
- SpeciesMobula alfredi (Reef Manta Ray)
In 3 days >90%
142 Verified sightings at Komodo National Park From 2019 to 2026
328 In all 3 parks
May Best month
☀️ Diurnal When it's spotted
Completed
About the Reef Manta Ray
The reef manta ray or hāhālua (Mobula alfredi) is a species of ray in the family Mobulidae, one of the largest rays in the world. Among generally recognized species, it is the third-largest species of ray, surpassed by the Giant oceanic manta ray and the Atlantic manta ray.
The species was described in 1868 by Gerard Krefft, the director of the Australian Museum. He named it M. alfredi in honor of Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh, the first member of the British royal family to visit Australia. It was originally described as part of the genus Manta but in 2017 was changed, along with the rest of the mantas, to be included as part of the genus Mobula.
Reef manta rays are typically 3 to 3.5 m (9.8 to 11.5 ft) in disc width, with a maximum size of about 5.5 m (18 ft). For a long time included in M. birostris, the status of the reef manta ray as a separate species was only confirmed in 2009. The reef manta ray is found widely in the tropical and subtropical Indo-Pacific, but with a few records from the tropical East Atlantic and none from the West Atlantic or East Pacific. Compared to the giant oceanic manta ray, the reef manta ray tends to be found in shallower, more coastal habitats, but local migrations are sometimes reported.
Mobula birostris is similar in appearance to Mobula alfredi and the two species may be confused as their distribution overlaps. However, there are distinguishing features. Wikipedia →
Recent sightings of Reef Manta Ray in Komodo National Park
LIVEiNaturalistGlobal Distribution
Parks Where Found
| # | Park | Country | Daily sighting probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Komodo National Park | 🇮🇩 Indonesia | |
| 2 | Raja Ampat | 🇮🇩 Indonesia | |
| 3 | Ningaloo Marine Park | 🇦🇺 Australia |
Zoos & Centres Where Found
| # | Zoo / Centre | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zhuhai Chimelong Ocean Kingdom | 🇨🇳 China | |
| 2 | Zoo Atlanta | 🇺🇸 United States | |
| 3 | Tennōji Zoo | 🇯🇵 Japan | |
| 4 | Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens | 🇨🇳 China | |
| 5 | Chittagong Zoo | 🇧🇩 Bangladesh | |
| 6 | Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium | 🇯🇵 Japan | |
| 7 | Marine Life Park | 🇸🇬 Singapore | |
| 8 | Singapore Oceanarium | 🇸🇬 Singapore | |
| 9 | Aviary | 🇭🇰 Hong Kong SAR China | |
| 10 | Osaka Water Museum | 🇯🇵 Japan |
Closest Relatives at Komodo National Park
Before you go
What are the chances of seeing a Reef Manta Ray in Komodo National Park?
Very likely
About 90% of wildlife watchers report a Reef Manta Ray sighting in Komodo National Park on a given day, based on 142 verified sightings from GBIF citizen-science data from 2019 to 2026. It is the most-seen of the 8 sharks and rays we can rate there. Over three days the chance rises to over 90%, if each day is a fresh chance.
When is the best time to see a Reef Manta Ray in Komodo National Park?
March–May, September–October and December
In those months over 90% of wildlife watchers report a Reef Manta Ray in Komodo National Park on a given day, against about 90% in January, June–August and November, the lowest months. February has too few records to rate.
What time of day is best to see a Reef Manta Ray?
Between 9 am and noon
Across all the parks we cover, that three-hour window holds the most Reef Manta Ray sightings with a recorded time, and about 8 in 10 of them come between 6 am and 6 pm: it is a daytime animal.
Is Komodo National Park the best place to see a Reef Manta Ray?
Yes
Of the 3 parks where we can rate Reef Manta Ray sightings, Komodo National Park has the highest daily chance: about 90%. Next come Raja Ampat (Indonesia, about 70%) and Ningaloo Marine Park (Australia, about 60%).
Where does the Reef Manta Ray sighting chance come from?
GBIF citizen-science records
It is estimated from how often the Reef Manta Ray is recorded against all the sharks and rays logged in Komodo National Park (142 verified sightings from 2019 to 2026), calibrated against known sighting rates. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10% because citizen-science data supports honest approximations, not decimals, and months with records from fewer than five people show "—". How it works.
