Planktivore

Planktivores are animals that feed on tiny organisms suspended in water, called phytoplankton (plants) and zooplankton (animals), collectively known as plankton.

While some planktivores rely on plankton throughout their whole life, many only eat it during certain stages of their lifecycle. Most fish, for example, are planktivores at some point during their life, particularly during the larval stages.

Fascinating facts about some of the world’s most amazing animals. From Aardvarks to Zebras our A-Z of the animal world is guaranteed to inspire. If your favourite animal’s not yet included, please let us know. Check out the Top 3 most loved animals! »

Basking Shark

Basking sharks can be found in temperate waters around the globe and are the world’s second largest living fish reaching an impressive 8 metres (that’s almost the length of two cars).

Blue Whale

The Blue Whale is the largest creature ever to have lived on earth. Their tongues alone can weigh as much as an elephant – their hearts, as much as a car.

Bowhead Whale

Second only to the Blue Whale in size, the Bowhead Whale is one of the longest living mammals in the world! They are uniquely adapted to living all year round in the cold, harsh Arctic seas and are famous for their complex and beautiful songs.

Staghorn Coral

Reef-building Staghorn Corals are among the fastest growing corals on the reef; when healthy their branches can grow up to 8 in a year! They were once very abundant, but their population has declined by over 80% since the 1980’s, with no signs of recovery.

Whale Shark

The Whale Shark is the largest fish on the planet! Although it’s name suggests it may belong to the whale family, it is actually 100% shark!