Distribution:

Western Atlantic: southern New England, USA to Brazil. Eastern Atlantic: Portugal to Ambriz, Angola (including the Mediterranean, Black Sea, and the Madeira and Canary islands).

Diagnosis:

Tail short armed with spine. Disk very broad. Very low dorsal and ventral finfolds on tail. Disk dark brown to grayish, lower surface of disc and of pelvics white, brownish, rosy or rusty cast. Tail white or rosy white below.

Biology:

Max. length measured is 140 cm. Occurs over sand and mud. Feeds on fishes, crustaceans, mollusks and plankton. Ovoviviparous, gestation lasting about 6 months with 4 to 7 embryos produced per female.

Max. size: 400.0 cm

Max.weight: 60 Kg

Environment: demersal; depth range 5 - 100 m

Climate: subtropical; 44°N - 35°S

Canary Island country information: Name: Manta, Mantellina, Mariposa