There’s something about Rays!

Mobula or Manta? The variety of rays we see around Baja California may look similar, but they are in fact quite distinct. We talk a lot about sharks and cetaceans, but we thought it’s time to give these pancake elasmobranchs more of a moment in the sun.

Let’s dive into the fascinating world of rays and get to know the species you might encounter on your adventure with us.

Mobula vs. Manta?

Pre-2018, Mobulas and Mantas were seperately classified, with the major difference being said that the positioning of the mouth of the Mobula was slightly downturned, located in a “neck-like” region, while the mouth of a Manta is at the exact front of it body. In 2018, scientific discoveries led to a reclassification of all Mantas as Mobulas, as they were deemed more genetically similar than previously thought. So now was can say all Mantas are Mobulas, though of course the term Manta (derived from the Spanish for "blanket”) is still widely used and accepted.

All Mobula rays have cephalic fins on either side of their mouths, leading to their moniker the Devil Ray, as when they are traveling they curl them up to give them a horn-like appearance. Their cephalic fins aid in filter feeding, forming a scoop to help funnel precious planktons down their very tiny throats, and then the sea water is filtered out through their gills, delivering oxygen along the way. Their gills are lined with sticky cells called goblet cells that aid in trapping nutrients, of which Mobula Munkiana have a particular abundance.

Mobula Species Found in Baja California:

1. Mobula munkiana (Munk’s Devil Ray)

Size: Up to 1.1 meters (3.6 feet) wingspan
Behavior: Extremely social and acrobatic
Where to See: Coastal areas of the Sea of Cortez

Named after oceanographer Walter Munk, Mobula munkiana in the star of the show in Baja. The smallest of the mobulas, they are often the ones leaping out of the water in spectacular displays—a behavior still not fully understood but possibly related to communication, mating, or parasite removal. Their seasonal aggregations can number in the thousands, creating an unforgettable spectacle. We often compare them to popcorn, as when viewed from the surface it is just like when the oil gets just hot enough to pop, and all of a sudden we can hear “twack, twack, twack” as each mobula leaps and belly flops back to the surface. The are more abundant then other mobulas, but are still classified as vulnerable by the IUCN as they are heavily fish around Baja and also caught frequently as by-catch.

2. Mobula mobular (Spinetail Devil Ray)

Size: Up to 3.5 meters (11 feet) wingspan
Behavior: Smaller groups, sometimes solitary, deeper dwelling
Where to See: Open ocean, deeper waters off the coast

Mobula mobular is less commonly seen inshore but may be encountered offshore or specific areas for mating. Though often mistaken for manta rays due to their size, they can be identified by their pointed pectoral fins and smaller cephalic lobes. They also breach similarly to the munkiana, however instead of the distinctive belly-flop they perform a more elegant backflip, which is an easy way to spot which is which from a distance. They are less successful breeders than the munkiana due to their more solitary nature and listed as endangered by the IUCN.

3. Mobula thurstoni (Bentfin Devil Ray)

Size: Around 1.5 meters (5 feet) wingspan
Behavior: More elusive and often solitary
Where to See: Occasionally in Baja, more common in tropical waters

This lesser-known mobula has a more restricted range and is less frequently seen than M. munkiana, but sightings have been recorded off the coast of Baja. Its bent or “hooked” pectoral fins give it a distinctive look, the most devilish looking of the devil rays.

4. Mobula tarapacana (Sicklefin Devil Ray)

Size: Around 3.7 meters (12 feet) wingspan
Behavior: More elusive and often solitary
Where to See: Occasionally in Baja, more common in tropical waters

Recognizable by its sleek, diamond-shaped body and long, pointed pectoral fins, it can reach a wingspan of over 3 meters (10 feet). Despite its size, the species is known for its graceful swimming and occasional aerial leaps from the water. Mobula tarapacana is believed to dive to extreme depths—over 1,800 meters—to feed on deep-sea squid and fish. Although little is known about its population status, it is considered near-threatened due to bycatch and low reproductive rates. These are very rare for us to see, but can sometime be spotted basking close to the surface and easily recognized by their sandy color.

5. Mobula birostris (Giant Oceanic Manta Ray)

Wingspan: Up to 7 meters (23 feet)
Behavior: Curious, solitary or in pairs
Best Time to See: June–November (La Reina)

Baja is one of the few places in the world where divers can reliably swim with these oceanic giants. They boast the largest brain of any fish, weighing up to 200 grams, they often interact with snorkelers and divers, making eye contact and gliding in slow, elegant loops, playing in the bubbles of scuba divers. La Reina, a small island off the northern tip of Cerralvo Island in the Sea of Cortez, is one of their migration points, and they can be observed there in the late summer/early fall. Unfortunately they are targeted as a prize species for Asian fish markets, and are therefore listed as Endangered.

Conservation and Ecotourism

Mobula rays are increasingly threatened by overfishing (especially as bycatch), habitat degradation, and the demand for their gill plates in traditional medicine in Asian markets. Fortunately, Baja California has become a hub for responsible marine ecotourism and research, where local guides, scientists, and operators like Latitude Encounters help promote conservation through education and ethical wildlife experiences.

One small way to help the different mobula species is by completing a survey being conducting by local Baja researchers, assessing the economic value of Mobulas based on their attraction to diving/eco-tourism.

If you have been on a tour to see mobulas of any kind, please take a few minutes to complete the survey at the link here.

By joining one of our expeditions or day trips, you’re not just witnessing nature—you’re supporting efforts to protect it.