23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Wildlife
Manta cleaning station

Oceanic manta rays swim close to cleaning stations over the reef to be cleaned in the Revillagigedo Islands / Socorro in the Pacific Ocean near Mexico. The manta rays are cleaned by a variety of fish including Clarion Angelfish that are endemic to this area of the world. The manta is accompanieed by three large jacks, that use the manta for cover, and hope to surprise and prey on smaller fish on the reef.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 02.2025
Date Uploaded: 11.2025
Photo Location: Revillagigedo Islands, Mexico
Camera: ILCE-7RM5
Copyright: © Peter McGee