Manta vs Raya manta

Gymnura altavela compared with Gymnura crebripunctata

Key Differences

• Manta is Endangered while Raya manta is Near Threatened.

Taxonomic Classification

Rank	Manta	Raya manta
Kingdom same	Animalia (Animals)	Animalia (Animals)
Phylum same	Chordata (cordados)	Chordata (cordados)
Class same	Elasmobranchii	Elasmobranchii
Order same	Myliobatiformes (Myliobatiformes)	Myliobatiformes (Myliobatiformes)
Family same	Gymnuridae	Gymnuridae
Genus same	Gymnura	Gymnura
Species	Gymnura altavela	Gymnura crebripunctata

Evolutionary Relationship

Manta and Raya manta share a common ancestor at the Genus level: Gymnura.

Conservation Status

Manta

EN — Endangered

Raya manta

NT — Near Threatened

Physical Characteristics

Attribute	Manta	Raya manta
Diet	—	—
Average Lifespan	—	—
Average Length	—	—
Average Weight	—	—

Habitat & Geographic Range

Manta

Habitat

Native to South America, inhabiting ecosystems characteristic of the region.

Range

Found in Venezuela. Currently classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List, this species faces significant conservation challenges across its range.

Raya manta

Manta

The Butterfly ray (Gymnura altavela) is a species in the genus Gymnura. It is currently classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Native to South America, inhabiting ecosystems characteristic of the region.

Raya manta

The Butterfly ray (Gymnura crebripunctata) is a species in the genus Gymnura. It is currently classified as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List.