Giant Manta Ray

Hello there. My name is Manta, and I am a Giant Manta Ray. I live in the big, blue ocean. I don't swim like other fish, I fly through the water. I have two giant wings that are called pectoral fins. I flap my wings up and down, up and down, just like a bird in the sky. It feels like I am dancing under the sea. I love to glide and do somersaults in the warm, sunny water.

Even though I am one of the biggest fish in the ocean, I eat one of the tiniest snacks. My favorite food is called plankton. Plankton are tiny organisms, including both animals (zooplankton) and plants (phytoplankton), that float in the water all around me. To eat, I open my giant mouth really wide and scoop them all up. It is like eating a big, yummy bowl of sea soup.

I may be very big, but I am a very gentle and friendly giant. I love visiting special places in the ocean called 'cleaning stations.' At these places, little fish swim all around me. They help keep my skin nice and clean. I am a peaceful giant, and I help keep our ocean home balanced and beautiful just by being me. So if you ever see me flying by, give me a wave.