Thousands of manta rays are killed every year for their gill plates. Because of these unsustainable fishing practices, giant mantas, the largest of all the manta rays, were uplisted to the endangered list.
Did you know?
- Giant manta rays have the largest brains of all fish. Studies indicate they can recognize themselves in the mirror.
- They are some of the largest fish in the world, weighing up to two tons.
- To maximize prey intake when feeding, giant mantas will do somersaults.
- Because giant mantas have a slow reproduction rate and mature late in life, overfishing has put enormous pressure on their populations.
