Manatee

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Manatees are large, fully aquatic, mostly herbivorous marine mammals sometimes known as sea cows. They belong to the family Trichechidae and the genus Trichechus.

In a nutshell

1. Habitat: Manatees inhabit shallow, calm waters such as rivers, estuaries, bays, canals, and coastal areas. They are primarily found in regions with warm water temperatures, including Florida, the Caribbean Sea, the Gulf of Mexico, and parts of West Africa.
2. Physical Characteristics: Adult manatees typically measure 9-10 feet in length from snout to tail and can weigh around 1,000 pounds. They have large, paddle-like flippers and a rounded body, which tapers into a flat, horizontal tail.
3. Diet: Manatees are herbivores with voracious appetites, spending up to 8 hours a day grazing on aquatic vegetation. They consume over 60 different freshwater and saltwater plants, including seagrasses and algae.
4. Adaptations: Manatees have several adaptations that help them thrive in their aquatic environment. They can travel from freshwater to saltwater habitats without any problems[5]. Additionally, their large, flexible lips and prehensile upper lip are used for grasping and manipulating food.
5. Conservation Status: Manatees face various threats, including habitat loss, pollution, and collisions with boats. As a result, they are classified as vulnerable or endangered species, depending on the region.
6. Behaviour: Manatees are generally solitary animals, although they may form temporary aggregations in areas with abundant food or warm water. They spend approximately 50% of the day sleeping submerged, surfacing for air regularly at intervals of less than 20 minutes.

See also

• Manatee Portal
• Manatee (videos)
• Manatee (news)
• Manatee (reports)
• Manatee (research)