No Strain, No Gain: Filter Feeding Mantas

Effortlessly, manta rays glide through the ocean gulping down plankton and fish eggs by the mouthful. However, until recently, it wasn't clear how they managed to do so without clogging the filters that surround their gills. Marine biologist and biomechanist, Dr. Misty Paig-Tran details her research into these graceful giants and reveals the multiple methods of filtration they use to sift a meal from the water.
Produced by Luke Groskin
Filmed by Luke Groskin, Ryan Hawk, Christian Baker
Music by Audio Network
Footage by Misty Paig-Tran, Shutterstock, Anita Ong (C.C. 3.0)
Dirk Hondhel (C.C. 3.0), Kimberly Forbragd (C.C. 3.0), Patrick Yeo Ho Yoon (C.C.3.0)