Manta ray (Manta birostris) feeding on zooplankton by extending its cephalic lobes, Yum Balam Marine Protected Area, Quintana Roo, Mexico, North America

Whale shark (Rhincodon typus) feeding at the surface on zooplankton, mouth open, known as ram feeding, Yum Balam Marine Protected Area, Quintana Roo, Mexico, North America

Scientist and whale shark (Rhincodon typus) feeding at the surface on zooplankton, mouth open, known as ram feeding, Yum Balam Marine Protected Area, Quintana Roo, Mexico, North America

Manta ray (Manta birostris) feeding on zooplankton by extending its cephalic lobes, Yum Balam Marine Protected Area, Quintana Roo, Mexico, North America

Golden damselfish (Amblyglyphidodon aureus) a zoo plankton feeding coral reef fish seen here ingesting food, Matangi Island, Vanua Levu, Fiji, Pacific

Manta ray (Manta birostris) feeding on zooplankton by extending its cephalic lobes, Quintana Roo, Mexico, North America

Manta ray (Manta birostris) feeding on zooplankton by extending its cephalic lobes, Quintana Roo, Mexico, North America

Maldives

Reef Manta Rays (Manta alfredi), feed over baskets of lights used to attract plankton off the Kona Coast, Kona, Island of Hawaii, Hawaii, United States of America

Detail of the center branching arms of a Crinoid or Feather Star (Lamprometra klunzingeri) open and feeding on plankton at night, Philippines

Mouth of a Whale Shark sifting plankton, Gulf of California

Whale Shark sifting plankton with Remora -Gulf of California

Mouth of a Whale Shark sifting plankton, Gulf of California

Whale Shark sifting plankton at surface-Gulf of California

Reef manta rays (Manta alfredi formerly Manta birostris) chain-feeding on plankton. Hanifaru Lagoon, Baa Atoll, Maldives, Indian Ocean

Reef manta rays (Manta alfredi formerly Manta birostris) chain-feeding on plankton. Hanifaru Lagoon, Baa Atoll, Maldives, Indian Ocean

Manta ray, (Manta alfredi) on a cleaning station. Baa Atoll, Maldives, Indian Ocean

Manta ray, (Manta alfredi) on a cleaning station. Baa Atoll, Maldives, Indian Ocean

Slender sunfish under surface

Whale Shark at the surface with a yacht, Gulf of California