Filter Feeding
A way of eating where an animal strains tiny food from water.
What is it?
Filter feeding is when an animal takes in water and then uses special body parts to trap small particles of food. The American paddlefish is a filter feeder: it swims with its mouth open, and water passes through its gill rakers, which catch tiny zooplankton. Other filter feeders include baleen whales, clams, and flamingos.
Why it matters
Filter feeding is an efficient way to get food from water. It allows animals to eat large amounts of tiny prey without chasing them. Filter feeders play an important role in keeping water clean and balanced.
Where you've seen it
This list grows as you capture more filter feeders.
