Group of Manta Rays Approaches Free Diver in Maldives

The crystal-clear waters off the Maldives are a great place to spot sharks, dolphins, and turtles. But there’s something especially mesmerizing about a group of manta rays that a diver with Shadow Palm Tours captured on January 29.

Rizkhan Mohamed was approached by the manta rays near Maafushi island, their mouths agape as they gracefully undulated their fins.

Unlike sharks and other fish, manta rays do not chew their food, but rather rely primarily on gulping down microscopic plankton as their source of nutrition.

When it is time to feed, the manta ray will open its mouth and begin sieving the food particles present in the water by using a unique filtration system.

Once feared, manta rays have recently become known as friendly to humans in active snorkeling areas. Credit: shadowpalmmaldives via Storyful