A giant oceanic manta ray (Manta birostris), photographed while scuba diving in the pristine waters off the coast of Tofo, Mozambique. This is the largest type of ray in the world, growing up to a width of 9 meters (30 feet) and weighing up to 1,350 kg (2,980 lbs). The giant oceanic manta ray tofo is a filter feeder, eating large quantities of zooplankton, which they swallow with their open mouths as they swim. It is considered to be vulnerable by the IUCN in its Red List of Endangered Species due to fishing or getting entangled in nets or injured by cables. Some fishing is targeted at this species, as the manta ray’s flesh is eaten in some areas and their gill rakers are used in oriental medicines.