How does a manta ray hunt?

Manta rays are filter feeders, meaning that they strain plankton and other small organisms from the water. Manta rays have a large, wide mouth that hangs from the underside of their heads. They swim with their mouths open and use their cephalic fins (located on the sides of their head) to direct water into their mouths. The water then passes through their gill slits, which are located on the underside of their body. The plankton and other small organisms are trapped in the gill slits and are then swallowed.

Manta rays are known to feed in large groups, sometimes called "manta ray trains". These groups can consist of hundreds of individuals and can extend for over a mile. Manta rays will often follow plankton blooms, and will sometimes congregate around cleaning stations, where they can be cleaned of parasites by smaller fish.