Manta rays are the largest rays in the world and they are highly intelligent. "Manta” means blanket in Spanish, describing the look of the animal\'s wing-like fins and their ability to glide gracefully through the water. Mantas constantly swim with their mouths wide open, filtering plankton and krill from the water. To aid in this strategy, they have special lobes, which help direct more water and food into their mouths. The main threat to the giant manta ray is commercial fishing, with the species both targeted (for their gill plates) and caught as bycatch.

Skill level: intermediate
Size: 10.5" / 27cm long when made with indicated yarn