There are a huge number of different kinds of creatures that exist in the ocean, offering us a variety of options to choose when it comes to finding our “spirit animal” or a creature that represents who we are as people and the kind of animal we want permanently tattooed on our body. The most popular tattoos of animals from the ocean are those that include images of sharks, killer whales, sea turtles, and random fish. However, there is growing popularity of manta rays in terms of tattoo designs. This is no surprise at all since the manta ray not only looks great but also holds a lot of symbolism and deep, profound meanings.
About Manta Rays
This is a fascinating animal that has a striking look with its enormous size and coloration. These are beautiful and calm creatures that can grow to over 20 feet across and grow to be up to a whopping 3,000 pounds. Distinct then other rays, this Manta doesn’t have the spine on its tail to defend itself against predators.
Manta rays can be found in almost any waters in the world as long as they are tropical or at least mildly warm. They are swimming and navigating to find the smallest prey in the water. They can do this by using their cephalic fins to push the water in their mouths. Outside of these simple facts, there isn’t a great deal known about the manta ray in terms of ecology or their history, but it is widely thought that they can live to up to 20 years, at least.
The name Manta comes from the Spanish language, and it’s a word for ‘cloak.’ In this sense, the term ‘manta’ describes their large body that could be taken for a cloak or a large blanket. Their size is one of their defenses as they don’t have the spine in their tails like their other family members. Additionally, they have very large brains in contrast to their body and other rays and sharks.
Giant manta rays travel a lot during their lives, crossing a big part of the ocean and occasionally stopping in French Polynesia and Hawaii. Most often, they can be found in the Eastern Pacific. If you didn’t notice them because of their size, you might recognize them from their blemishes and spots on their stomachs. This is very helpful for scientists in their researches.
Manta-Ray Tattoo Meanings
Tattoos of manta ray are very meaningful and have some meanings that you are probably not aware of. For instance, the manta ray tattoo can serve as a reminder to stay on the course and be true to yourself. Since the manta ray can navigate the ocean and the different depths, it can also serve as a reminder that we will eventually reach our destination if we keep moving forward. In some cultures, it is believed that water is a symbol of our emotions, and the ability of the animal to move freely through these waters is a symbol of our ability to observe and be conscious of our feelings, living a calm life that is representative of the manta ray.
The manta ray tattoo is also a symbol of getting what we want in life by directing our energy into the proper avenues. Because the manta ray uses its large body to round up plankton and direct them to swim in their mouths, we can take this as a symbol of them using their energy wisely and for purpose.
This tattoo design can also serve as a reminder to keep our calm and not let our emotions control us. The calmness of the creature is an exceptional trait, and if you can imagine yourself with a manta ray tattoo on your body, you might be able to keep reminding yourselves to stay calm and move forward.
Manta-Ray Tattoo Variations And Meanings
Tribal Manta-Ray Tattoo
The tribal tattoo design is highly symbolic for islanders. Manta rays typically inhabit the Polynesian waters in addition to other tropical waters. The native people of Polynesia considered this creature as a symbol of wisdom and graceful strength. According to them, the manta ray was a spirit guardian. In this sense, having the tribal manta tattoo design was a way to defend your spirit and help you conjure these traits.
Watercolor Manta-Ray Tattoo
There is no better way to portray certain serenity that you felt while watching the manta ray navigate the ocean than through a watercolor tattoo design. This style flows and is ideal when talking about ocean-dwelling animals. The whimsical way the watercolor style of tattooing portrays the manta ray can give us daily reminders to stay still and work towards our goals in an efficient matter.
Realistic Manta-Ray Tattoo
The realistic tattoo design doesn’t have a different meaning from other manta ray tattoos, but it just happens to look great. When a talented realism tattoo artist nails one of these tattoos, you might find yourself getting lost in the details. It might even bring calmness to you.
If you are a character who admires the serenity of these creatures or wants to represent the meanings this design stands for in your tattoo, then you are a perfect candidate for this tattoo motif. Finding adequate design is the next step for your tattoo project
