The giant oceanic manta ray is the largest type of ray in the world. The largest recorded specimen was more than 25 feet across, with a weight of about 5,300 lb.

They are circumglobal and are typically found in tropical and subtropical waters, and can also be found in temperate waters. Oceanic mantas reside in deepwater, pelagic zones, making periodic visits to cleaning stations at seamounts and coastal reefs.