• Filter feeders are a subgroup of suspension-feeding animals that feed by straining suspended matter and food particles from water, typically by passing the water over a specialised filtering structure.

• Some animals that use this method of feeding are clams, krill, sponges, baleen whales, and many fish (including some sharks). Some birds, such as flamingos and certain species of duck, are also filter feeders. Filter feeders can play an important role in clarifying water, and are therefore considered ecosystem engineers. They are also important in bioaccumulation and, as a result, as indicator organisms.

• Oyster is one of the filter feeders.

Pearl Farming

• Pearls are the only gemstones in the world that come from a living creature. Mollusks such as oysters and mussels produce these precious jewels.
• Pearl culture practices are present in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Bihar, Odisha, Kerala, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Goa, and Tripura.