Manta Rays’ Elongated Tails Serve as Sensory Antennae

Manta rays, known for their hornlike facial fins and immense wingspans reaching up to 30 feet, have long fascinated scientists due to their peculiar, whip-like tails. Unlike stingrays, whose tails are equipped with venomous spines, manta rays' tails serve a different, mysterious purpose. A new study published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B offers an intriguing explanation: these tails may act as specialized sensory antennae.

Postdoctoral Fellow Júlia Chaumel and Professor George Lauder examined the tails of cownose rays, a relative of mantas, and uncovered unexpected findings. Their analysis revealed that the tail contains specialized organs linked to the fish’s lateral line canal— a sensory system in fish that detects movements and vibrations in the surrounding water. This complex system, previously thought to be concentrated near the head, was found to extend along the entire tail in cownose rays.

The study suggests that these tails help rays detect predators, such as sharks, that may approach from behind. When the rays are foraging on the seafloor, their tails could alert them to underwater disturbances caused by approaching danger, allowing them to evade attacks in time.

While still studying other species, including manta rays, researchers believe these long tails may also assist with stabilizing the fish as they glide through the water, much like the tail of a kite. Despite the tail’s functional advantages, scientists note that rays with missing or damaged tails are often observed in the wild, adding a layer of mystery to the role of these appendages in the ray family.