Manta rays are large, graceful rays that belong to the family Mobulidae. They are known for their distinctive body shape, which is characterized by their wide, flat bodies and long, pointed wings that can span up to 25 feet (7.6 meters) in some species. Manta rays are found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world, and they typically inhabit areas close to the surface of the water, where they feed on plankton and small fish. Manta rays are filter feeders, which means they feed by straining plankton and small organisms from the water using specialized structures in their gill plates called gill rakers. They are also known for their acrobatic displays, which involve leaping out of the water and somersaulting in mid-air.