Filter Feeder
The Manta Rays - Manta alfredi, despite its size, feeds on planktons and are known as filter feeders. They do that by funnelling in water through their open mouth, using the 2 cephalic lobes. As the waters are channeled through their gills, tiny planktons are 'captured' by their gills.
The reef manta ray is species of ray in the family Mobulidae, one of the largest rays in the world. Among generally recognized species, it is the second-largest species of ray, only surpassed by the giant oceanic manta ray .
Its scientific name is a tribute to the British Prince Alfred, Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, who was victim of an assassination attempt in Clondarf in Australia at the time the description of the species was published by the director of the Australian Museum Gerard Krefft.. more
