Manta ray — Mobula alfredi / birostris

A Manta ray is a large, flat fish that swims through the water using wing-like fins. These animals belong to the genus Mobula.

Divers often seek them in places like Komodo or Nusa Penida because these spots offer high visibility. You might see a reef manta (Mobula alfredi) at depths of 10 m to 25 m near cleaning stations. Some larger species reach wingspans of over 7 m while they glide through the current.

Never chase them. I saw a diver in Bali in 2019 try to swim toward a feeding group, which caused the whole school to vanish instantly. Keep your buoyancy steady so that you do not kick up sand or disturb their path. Stay at least 3 m away from their bodies during every encounter.