Reef manta rays are among the ocean’s most captivating creatures, effortlessly gliding through tropical waters with a wingspan that can reach up to 16 feet. These gentle giants are filter feeders, swimming gracefully with their mouths open to scoop up tiny plankton from the water. Known for their curiosity, reef mantas often visit cleaning stations where small fish help keep them free of parasites—a fascinating example of underwater teamwork. Each manta ray has a unique pattern on its belly, much like a fingerprint, making them easy to identify and study. Their calm, fluid movements and striking appearance make them a true marvel of the marine world.​The reef manta ray currently classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . This status indicates that the species faces a high risk of extinction in the wild due to factors such as overfishing, bycatch, and habitat degradation. The wonderful team at Project Manta do wonderful work to research this species. Head to their page to learn more: https://www.usc.edu.au/about/structure/schools/school-of-science-technology-and-engineering/project-manta.