Closely related to the saltwater stingray, freshwater stingrays are cartilaginous fish classified into two different families based on their geographic locations. Also called river stingrays, the Potamotrygonidae rays are found in the rivers of tropical and subtropical South America, being mostly concentrated within the Amazon Basin. These beautiful rays are generally small compared to their saltwater cousins, growing up to 46 cm (18 inches) wide with long tails, are very rounded, and have colorful spots of different sizes against a dark background of black, brown, or gray, depending on the species.

With fins as wide as wings, manta rays soar along ocean currents like birds in flight, making them one of the most elegant animals of the sea. The name ‘manta’ comes from the Spanish word blanket and with a wingspan of up to nine meters, it’s easy to see how they can look like a blanket floating in the sea. Scuba diving with mantas is one of the most amazing experiences any diver can have underwater.

The reef manta ray is the second largest ray species in the world next to its close relative, the giant oceanic manta, growing up to 3.5 m (12 feet) wide, or more. In fact, these two types were considered a single species until 2009 when they were officially split into two distinct species. Reef mantas can be found in tropical and subtropical waters throughout the Indo-Pacific region. Unlike the deeper dwelling giant oceanic manta, they prefer shallower waters and are typically found cruising over coral reefs and other coastal habitats.

Like manta rays, eagle rays are among the largest rays. The best known and most popular species is the spotted eagle ray, one of the most beautiful rays and among the most desired to be seen by divers. These animals have the unique ability to move both forward and backward using their pectoral fins. You will never forget observing these majestic movements while diving with eagle rays.

With over 500 different species of rays identified, this group of cartilaginous fish are more varied then their cousin the shark. Stingrays derive their name from their long, skinny tails, many of which have poisonous stingers used for self-defense. Due to these predominant stingers, please take caution when diving or walking through waters with stingrays. As long as you keep a safe distance, you can experience beautiful dives with them. They are mostly found on the seabed where they hide under the sand and feed on fish, crabs, worms, snails, and other mollusks.

Electric rays, also known as torpedo rays (or torpedo fish), are a cartilaginous fish in the ray family named for their unique ability to generate an electrical shock. Found worldwide in warm and temperate ocean waters, they use this electric ability for defense and capturing prey, so take caution when diving with electric rays because, although they are very docile, they can be harmful if accidentally touched or stepped on.

Skates are a large suborder of cartilaginous fish within the ray family, consisting of more than 150 different species. They are similar to electric rays and stingrays with their flat body shape, flat pectoral fins extending the length of their bodies, and mouths located on the underside of the body. They are benthic feeders, spending the majority of their time camouflaged on the ocean’s floor and are distinguishable from other rays with their round to diamond-shaped form, sharp “noses,” and two dorsal fins on their tail.

Appearing as the perfect combination of shark and ray, guitarfish represent their own family of cartilaginous fish, displaying characteristics reminiscent of both. They are famous for their elongated, flattened bodies, ray-like wings, and two dorsal fins on their tails, taking on the shape of a guitar, giving them their common name. Also known as banjo sharks or fiddler rays, there are roughly 50 distinct species covering three different genera.