Manta vs Tentacled butterfly ray

Gymnura altavela compared with Gymnura tentaculata

Key Differences

• Manta is Endangered while Tentacled butterfly ray is Critically Endangered.

Taxonomic Classification

Rank	Manta	Tentacled butterfly ray
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 tentaculata

Evolutionary Relationship

Manta and Tentacled butterfly ray share a common ancestor at the Genus level: Gymnura.

Conservation Status

Manta

EN — Endangered

Tentacled butterfly ray

CR — Critically Endangered

Physical Characteristics

Attribute	Manta	Tentacled butterfly ray
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.

Tentacled butterfly ray

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.