The 10 Largest Rays in the World

Did you know that rays are close relatives of sharks? Some of the largest rays look intimidating, yet most are harmless to humans. With more than 600 known species, rays inhabit both freshwater and saltwater around the globe. Their size can range from something as small as a dinner plate to as massive as a car.

Let’s take a closer look at ten of the biggest rays in the world.

Atlantic Cownose Ray

Size: 28–110 cm

The Atlantic cownose ray gets its name from the shape of its head, which resembles the nose of a cow. These rays are often found in coastal waters and shallow seas, where they sometimes gather in massive schools of up to 10,000 individuals.

Though they do carry venomous barbs, their sting is relatively mild—about the same as a bee sting. The real danger comes only when someone accidentally steps on them.

Sharpnose Stingray (Dasyatis geijskesi)

Size: 70–150 cm

Though small compared to other rays on this list, the sharpnose stingray is fascinating. It inhabits shallow, brackish waters along the coastlines of Venezuela to northern Brazil.

Its sharp, venomous tail spines can inflict intense pain on humans, though local fisheries still capture and consume them in some areas. Unfortunately, this exploitation has placed the species at risk of extinction.

Devil Ray (Mobula tarapacana)

Size: 1.1–5.2 m

Also called mobulas, devil rays are known for their horn-like fins that point forward instead of curling around the mouth, giving them their devilish name. Despite their fearsome look, they are gentle filter feeders, dining mostly on krill and plankton.

What makes them especially impressive is their athleticism—they can leap and flip out of the water, earning them the nickname “flying rays.” They are also capable of diving nearly two kilometers deep, ranking among the ocean’s most skilled divers.

Longtail Stingray (Dasyatis thetidis)

Size: 1.8–4 m

Also known as the black stingray, this bottom-dwelling species is both massive and dangerous. Its long, whip-like tail carries one or two venomous spines, and its body is lined with sharp thorns for extra defense.

Divers sometimes swim alongside them, but caution is crucial. While they are generally calm, their spines can cause serious injury if provoked.

Butterfly Ray

Size: 2.1–3.9 m

With its wide, diamond-shaped body, the butterfly ray looks much like its namesake insect. Instead of gliding near the surface, it prefers to settle on sandy or muddy bottoms, where it buries itself in camouflage before ambushing prey such as crustaceans and mollusks.

Though equipped with painful stingers, butterfly rays are not aggressive toward humans.

Bull Ray

Size: 2–4.3 m

Also known as the smooth or short-tailed stingray, the bull ray is infamous for being the species that fatally stung wildlife expert Steve Irwin.

Unusually, bull rays have two venomous barbs, making them formidable if threatened. While they are shy and usually retreat from humans, they will strike if cornered. Sadly, overfishing and habitat destruction are pushing their populations into decline.

Giant Freshwater Stingray

Size: 2–5 m

The giant freshwater stingray is one of the largest freshwater fish on Earth, found in rivers across Southeast Asia, Borneo, and northern Australia.

These bottom-dwelling giants feed on invertebrates and small fish while hiding in sandy riverbeds. Their tails are astonishingly long, often matching the length of their bodies, and their venomous spines can reach up to 38 cm—the longest of any ray. Though not aggressive, their sting is powerful enough to pierce bone.

Spotted Eagle Ray

Size: 3.3–5 m

With its striking pattern of white spots or rings across a dark body, the spotted eagle ray is one of the most recognizable rays in the ocean. Its beak-shaped head adds to its distinctive look.

These rays can leap fully out of the water when pursued, and their long tails are armed with venomous spines. Unfortunately, their numbers are dwindling due to overfishing, and they are now considered near-threatened.

Reef Manta Ray

Size: 3.5–5 m

The reef manta is the second-largest ray in the world, thriving in tropical and subtropical oceans. Divers often encounter them near coral reefs, where they glide gracefully through shallow waters.

Their bodies display striking black and white markings that form a V-shape across the back. Reef mantas are gentle giants, filtering plankton as they swim. Sadly, climate change, plastic pollution, and illegal fishing have made them increasingly vulnerable.

Giant Oceanic Manta Ray

Size: 4.5–7 m

The largest of all rays, the giant oceanic manta can span up to seven meters across. Found in tropical, subtropical, and even some temperate waters, these rays are breathtaking to witness in the wild.

They travel either alone or in groups of up to 50 and often glide near the surface, though they also dive deep. Despite their size, they still face predators such as sharks and orcas.

With their immense wingspans and graceful movements, oceanic mantas embody the awe and mystery of the sea.

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✨ Rays are some of the ocean’s most fascinating creatures—mysterious, graceful, and often misunderstood. From shallow rivers to the open sea, these giants remind us of the extraordinary diversity of marine life that still thrives on our planet.