Editing Manta ray (section)

===Feeding===
[[File:Manta birostris feeding.jpg|thumb|alt=Manta foraging|right|''M. birostris'' feeding on plankton]]
Manta rays are [[filter feeder]]s as well as macropredators. On the surface, they consume large quantities of [[zooplankton]] in the form of [[shrimp]], [[krill]], and [[planktonic]] [[crab]]s. In deeper depths, mantas consume small to medium-sized fish.<ref name="Burgess2016"/> Foraging mantas flatten their cephalic fins to channel food into their mouths. During filter feeding, small particles are collected by the tissue between the gill arches.<ref name=flmnh/> The standard method of feeding for a lone manta is simply swimming horizontally, turning 180 degrees to feed in the other direction. Up and down movements, sideways tilting and 360 degree somersaults are also observed.<ref name=Guide/>{{rp|19, 21–22}}

Mantas engage in a number of group feeding behaviors. An individual may "piggy-back" on a larger, horizontally feeding individual, placing itself over its back. "Chain-feeding" involves them aligning back-to-front and swimming horizontally. Chain-feeding mantas may create a circle, with the lead individual meeting up with the stragglers. More individuals may join, creating a "cyclone" of mantas spiraling upwards. With a diameter of {{convert|15|m|abbr=on}}, these cyclones consist of up to 150 mantas and last up to an hour.<ref name=Guide/>{{rp|20–22}} Studies have shown that around 27% of the diet of ''M. birostris'' is from the surface, while around 73% is at deeper depths.<ref name="Burgess2016">{{cite journal |author=Burgess, K. B. |author2=Couturier, L. I. E. |author3=Marshall, A. D. |author4=Richardson, A. J. |author5=Weeks, S. J. |author6=Bennett, M. B. |year=2016|title=''Manta birostris'', predator of the deep? Insight into the diet of the giant manta ray through stable isotope analysis|journal=Royal Society Open Science|volume=3|issue=11|page=160717|doi=10.1098/rsos.160717|pmid=28018660|pmc=5180158|bibcode=2016RSOS....360717B}}</ref> Mantas may forage on the ocean floor with the cephalic fins splayed apart.<ref name=Guide/>{{rp|23}}

During filter feeding, the gills may get clogged up, forcing mantas to cough and create a cloud of gill waste. The rays commonly do this above cleaning stations, providing a feast for the cleaner fish. Mantas defecate dark red fecal matter which is often mistaken for blood.<ref name=Guide/>{{rp|36}}