But, what is the difference between these animals, and how can you identify them? This article will uncover everything you need to know about skates and manta rays. We’ll compare and contrast them based on their appearance, habitats, mode of reproduction, feeding habits, and economic benefits. Let’s dig in to find out more!
Comparing Skates vs Manta Rays
The Key Differences Between Skates and Manta Rays
The key differences between skates and manta rays are appearance, habitat, feeding habits, and reproduction. There are a number of primary distinctions between skates and manta rays. However, one thing that stands out at first glance is their shape. Skates are triangular or rounded with a pointy nose, while manta rays are diamond-shaped. Thanks to these configurations, both animals have become highly efficient predators of life beneath the sediments. In 2008, scientists discovered two species of manta ray – the reef manta and the giant oceanic ray. Studies have shown that manta rays can recognize themselves in a mirror and that they produce long-term memory mental maps of their surroundings with the use of visual cues and smells. With about 574 species, skates have more species than any other groups of cartilaginous fishes. Since 1950, over 120 new skate species have been discovered. The majority of the skate species are known as hardnose skates because of their stiff snouts. They are important predators that control the population of many organisms. Now, let’s look at the differences between these animals in detail!
Skate vs Manta Ray: Physical Appearance
Skates generally have a pointed snout and two small dorsal fins near their tail’s end. The disc and tail are usually partly covered with dermal denticle patches. In addition to the dorsal fins, they have flat pectoral fins that extend the length of their body. They also have a flat body shape made of cartilage, not bones. A skate’s gills and mouth are located on its underside. Skates are characterized by holes called spiracles, located next to the eye and assist with respiration. On the other hand, manta rays have two horn-shaped fins protruding from the front of their heads, which has also given them the nickname “devil fish.” These highly intelligent, highly threatened creatures do not have stinging barbs on their tails but rather a bulbous knob at the end of their tail. Like skates, they are covered in dermal denticles, v-shaped seals that protect them and reduce drag when swimming. Their eyes are located on the sides of their heads, giving them lateral vision. The gills of manta rays can be found on their underbellies, and they have two-shaped cephalic fins to guide water and prey into their wide mouth.
Skate vs Manta Rays: Habitats
There is a high degree of endemism among all skate species. This means that each species often only inhabits a specific area of the world. Usually found in shallower waters toward the poles, they occur deeper in tropical waters. They are most diverse at higher latitudes and deeper water. Manta rays, meanwhile, inhabit tropical and subtropical waters as well as temperate seas all around the planet. They travel offshore during the winter but are normally around seashores from spring to fall.
Skates vs Manta Rays: Feeding Habits
The majority of skates are carnivorous, feeding on benthic invertebrates such as crabs, worms, shrimp, and amphipods alongside fishes. They feed on these animals with the aid of grinding plates in their mouths. Contrastingly, mantas are filter feeders, which is unlike most other rays. They have a forward-facing mouth and feed on zooplankton in the form of shrimp and krill. They swim forward and filter their tiny prey through rows of tiny rakes called gill plates with their mouths open.
Skate vs Manta Ray: Mode of Reproduction
All skate species are oviparous. Females lay eggs in cases that are known as mermaid’s purses. Typically, a female can form two single embryo eggs at a time and leave them to develop independently. Manta rays, however, are considered to be viviparous, which implies that they expel their young ones alive and well-formed. After birth, these young ones are abandoned to fend for themselves.
Skate vs Manta Ray: Economic Benefits
Both animals are highly vulnerable to exploitation due to their large size, slow growth rate, and low reproductive rate. They are endangered due to overfishing for their meat by humans who consider them a delicacy or good bait. The gill plates of manta rays are used in Chinese medicine for unsubstantiated purposes.
