reef manta ray; Manta alfredi
A species of manta ray found in tropical and subtropical waters, smaller than the giant oceanic manta ray.
The divers were looking forward to swimming with the reef manta rays.
Standard katakana spelling for this loanword-based animal name.
Kanji spelling is rare; the word is usually written in kana.
From 南洋 (South Seas) + マンタ (manta), a loanword from English or Spanish.