[1] It is often observed worldwide, basking just below the surface in tropical, subtropical and warm temperate oceans,[3] mainly offshore, and occasionally appearing near the coast.

[4] Originally believed to be surface dwellers, Mobula tarapacana have been discovered to feed at depths of up to 1,896 metres (6,220 ft) during deep dives; they are among the deepest-diving ocean animals.

Their dives often follow a stepwise pattern, in which the ray dives deeply, then works its way back up by repeatedly "levelling up" for a bit and then moving higher.

A veined structure of blood vessels warms the ray's brain at colder depths.

Rays stay near warmer surface water for at least an hour both before and after deep diving, suggesting that they are soaking up heat to prepare for and recover from their descent into colder water.