Cephalic fins are narrow and stiff. In contrast to mantas, mouth not frontal but rather on underside of head.
Size : span width 180 cm
Habitat : Both pelagic as well as in reef vicinity. Swims alone or in groups. Filters plankton from the water. The two very similar species (M. Tarapacana and M. Ergoodootenkee) are extremely difficult to distinguish when observing under water.
Distribution : Circumtropical.