Giant Oceanic Manta Ray
Mobula birostris
Sighting evidence at El Planchón, Gorgona Island
Photo: Programa Marino del Golfo de California · CC BY-NC
Giant manta rays use El Planchón's summit as a dedicated cleaning station, hovering motionless above rocky outcrops while wrasses and small reef fish meticulously remove parasites and dead skin. These rays, with wingspans reaching 5 to 7 metres, are most commonly seen from July through October when upwelling concentrates the zooplankton they feed on. Their visits to the cleaning station are highly predictable — experienced guides can often position divers at the station minutes before mantas arrive.
Evidence at this site
No confirmed records on file at this site
Giant Oceanic Manta Ray is listed as a curated species here based on historical reports.