Which ray species is the largest in the world by body size?

The oceanic manta ray is the largest ray species in the world by body size.

Also called the giant oceanic manta ray, it can reach a disc width of about 7 metres and weigh roughly 2,000 kilograms. Its broad, triangular pectoral fins and forward-facing cephalic fins give it a distinctive appearance. Despite its enormous size, it is a gentle filter feeder that mainly consumes plankton and small schooling organisms.

Oceanic manta rays live in tropical, subtropical, and temperate ocean waters, often visiting productive areas such as seamounts, cleaning stations, and coastal upwellings. They swim by flapping their pectoral fins rather than moving like most fish.

They are sometimes confused with reef manta rays, which are also large but generally smaller. Manta rays are not whales or sharks; they are cartilaginous fish related to sharks and skates.