describe their interactions with humans
Historically, mantas were feared for their size and power; this attitude changed around 1978, when divers around the Gulf of California found them to be placid and that they could interact with the animals.
Manta ray
Historically, mantas were feared for their size and power. Sailors believed that they were dangerous to humans and could sink boats by pulling on the anchors. This attitude changed around 1978, when divers around the Gulf of California found them to be placid and that they could interact with the animals. 
do manta rays have barbs on their tails UNANSWERABLE what is this animal? These are large rays belonging to the genus "Mobula". where can it be found? They are found in warm temperate, subtropical and tropical waters. which species is it? "Manta birostris" can they be found in captivity as well? Rarely: a few are "Nandi" (uShaka Marine World); "Zeus" (The Atlantis resort); and those in the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium. how does it look? Broad heads, triangular pectoral fins, and horn-shaped cephalic fins located on either side of their mouths, tails lack skeletal support and are shorter than their disc-like bodies, typically black or dark in color with pale markings on their "shoulders". from where does it get its name? From Portuguese and Spanish for mantle (cloak or blanket). have fossils of them been found? Only three sedimentary beds bearing manta ray fossils are known, one from the Oligocene in South Carolina and two from the Miocene and Pliocene in North Carolina. who found them? UNANSWERABLE how long do they live for? They may live as long as 50 years. how do they mate? The mating sequence may be triggered by a full moon and seems to be initiated by a male following closely behind a female while she travels.
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Manta ray [SEP] Relation with humans
The ancient Peruvian Moche people worshipped the sea and its animals. Their art often depicts manta rays. Historically, mantas were feared for their size and power. Sailors believed that they were dangerous to humans and could sink boats by pulling on the anchors. This attitude changed around 1978, when divers around the Gulf of California found them to be placid and that they could interact with the animals. Several divers photographed themselves with mantas, including "Jaws" author Peter Benchley.