Giant Rays Explore Their Universe in Record-Breaking Dives

In the open oceans near Peru, Indonesia, and New Zealand, scientists have discovered that the world’s largest ray species, the oceanic manta ray, dives deeper than ever recorded, reaching depths beyond 1,200 meters. The fascinating revelation? These rays may be exploring these depths not to feed, but to build mental maps of their vast marine world.

“These dives, which are linked with increased horizontal travel afterwards, may play an important role in helping mantas gather information about their environment and navigate across the open ocean,” said Dr Calvin Beale, who led the international research team.

Tagging 24 rays between 2012 and 2022 showed that individuals in New Zealand performed the deepest dives — up to 1,250 meters — and often followed by journeys covering more than 200 kilometres. The rays appear to use shifts in magnetic fields, temperature, and light to orient themselves, revealing an astonishing depth of perception in one of the ocean’s gentlest giants. Researchers say these insights highlight the need to protect both coastal and offshore habitats — the connected highways that keep the world’s great marine travellers on course.