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Manta Rays Feeding Habits

Manta rays are usually found in tropic waters, but they migrate to different places each year. Manta rays are the largest species of ray and are also called the giant ray. However, the manta ray does not have a stinger like other rays. The manta ray's versatile feeding habits help them survive and evolve.

Feeding
- Manta rays are filter feeders. Manta rays suck plankton filled water through their mouths, filter it, then lets the water out of their body through their gills. Manta rays also use lobes on either side of their mouth to help get food inside their mouth. Food is kept inside the manta rays mouth by small plates that are part of the rays gills. The food sticks to the plates instead of being flushed out of the rays body with excess water.
Food
- Manta rays typically eat plankton. Plankton can be anything from bacteria to small plants or animals. They also eat shrimp. If angelfish are a native species to the area the manta ray is in, the ray will eat angelfish as well. Manta rays eat up to 60 lbs. of food per day. Most of the day is used finding food.
Method
- Manta rays are very systematic feeders. They move very slowly and in a straight line. They typically do not deviate from their path even if food is close by. Even though manta rays usually hunt at night, if food is hard to find, they may hunt during the day.
Area
- Manta rays usually feed around coral reefs. Reefs offer a lot of food possibilities. Manta rays are also thought to remember which places they find the most food and return there. However, once a food source runs out, manta rays are very good at adapting to new environments.

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