The largest member of the ray family is the Atlantic manta ray (Manta birostris) which has an average wingspan of 5.2–6.8 m (17–22 ft). The largest manta ray wingspan ever recorded is 9.1 m (30 ft).

Atlantic manta rays are solitary swimmers which are usually found near the surface of the ocean, although they have also been reported at depths of 120 m (394 ft). They are also called “devil rays” because of the cephalic fins at the front of their heads which resemble the horns of a devil. The name “manta” comes from the Spanish word for “blanket”.