At night, parrotfishes sleep in the reef or on the sandy bottom, secreting mucus cocoons that help protect them from nocturnal predators. Ready for lift-off. The manta ray, whose wing-like pectoral fins may span eight feet, feeds on microscopic plankton and small fishes. A pair of flap-like fins on the manta's head helps guide food into its mouth. Remoras, usually seen in pairs, often hitch rides with mantas.
Manta rays lack the stingray's intimidating tail spine.
Seven Underwater Wonders Of The World, by Rick Sammon, Thomasson-Grant.