Manatee
Large, gentle, herbivorous marine mammals of warm coastal waters and rivers.
Manatees (family Trichechidae, genus Trichechus) are large, fully aquatic, mostly herbivorous marine mammals sometimes known as sea cows. There are three accepted living species of Trichechidae: the Amazonian manatee (Trichechus inunguis), the West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus), and the West African manatee (Trichechus senegalensis). They measure up to 4.0 m (13.1 ft) long, weigh as much as 590 kg (1,300 lb), and have paddle-like tails.
- Scientific Name
- Trichechus spp.
- Primary Habitat
- Shallow coastal waters, rivers, and springs
- Diet
- Strictly herbivorous (seagrasses, algae, aquatic plants)
- Locomotion
- Slow-swimming with paddle-like flippers and a rounded tail
- Breathing Frequency
- Every 3 to 5 minutes while active
Lore & Background
The etymology of the name is unclear, with connections having been made to Latin 'manus' meaning 'hand' and to the term 'manaty' meaning 'breast' from the Carib language. The term sea cow refers to the species' slow, peaceful, herbivorous nature. Manatees are three of the four living species in the order Sirenia; the fourth is the dugong. A preexisting member of the order, Steller's sea cow, was hunted to extinction in the eighteenth century. The Sirenia are thought to have evolved from four-legged land mammals more than 60 million years ago, with closest living relatives being elephants and hyraxes.
In Their Own Story
The morning light filtered through the turquoise shallows of Crystal River, illuminating the slow dance of seagrass swaying in the current. A massive manatee glided silently beneath the surface, her wrinkled gray skin dusted with algae. She paused, raising her head to exhale a soft plume of mist before dipping back down to graze. Nearby, a calf nuzzled against her flank, learning the rhythm of the tides and the taste of fresh greens. The water was warm, a sanctuary from the chill of winter, where time seemed to stretch and the only sound was the gentle rustle of plants being harvested.
Reader's Guide
Manatees are herbivores and eat over 60 different freshwater and saltwater plants. They inhabit shallow, marshy coastal areas and rivers of the Caribbean Sea, the Gulf of Mexico, the Amazon basin, and West Africa. The main causes of death are human-related issues such as habitat destruction and collisions with boats. Natural causes of death include adverse temperatures, predation by crocodiles on young, and disease. Manatees are generally solitary, spend about 50% of the day sleeping submerged, and graze in shallow waters. They swim at about 5 to 8 km/h (3 to 5 mph) but can reach up to 30 km/h (19 mph) in short bursts. Gestation lasts about 12 months, and calves are weaned after 12 to 18 months.
Did You Know?
- Manatees have just six cervical vertebrae, unlike most other mammals which have seven.
- Their teeth are continuously replaced throughout life, with new teeth growing at the rear as older ones fall out from the front.
- Manatees can live more than 30 years, and the Florida subspecies has been known to live up to 60 years.
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