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

Male manta ray with almost pure white ventral surface, may be a new species, for now known as Manta alfredi, Yum Balam Marine Protected Area, Quintana Roo, Mexico, North America

Eagle rays (Mobula hypostoma) common in this area and often seen feeding on zooplankton in large groups, 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

Biologist taking skin sample from a whale shark to determine what plankton types the animal has been feeding on, Yum Balam Marine Protected Area, Quintana Roo, Mexico, North America

Scientist free diving to make a photo identification of an individual manta ray (Manta birostris), 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

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