Species Guide
Manatees
Gentle, herbivorous marine mammals related to elephants and hyraxes, grazing on sea grass in warm coastal waters, rivers, and estuaries.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammalia
- Order
- Sirenia
- Family
- Trichechidae
- Genus
- Trichechus
Quick Facts
- Other Names
- Sea Cow
- Size
- 8–13 ft
- Weight
- 440–1,300 lbs
- Lifespan
- 50–60 years
- Diet
- Herbivore
- Status
- Endangered / Vulnerable
Habitat & Range
There are three living species of manatee, distinguished largely by location. West Indian manatees range along the North American east coast from Florida to Brazil; Amazonian manatees inhabit the Amazon River basin; and African manatees live along the west coast and rivers of Africa. All three favor shallow, slow-moving rivers, estuaries, saltwater bays, and canals lush with seagrass beds or freshwater vegetation.
Diet & Senses
Manatees are almost entirely herbivorous, consuming up to 100 pounds of aquatic and semi-aquatic vegetation a day — as much as 10–15% of their body weight. They have well-developed eyesight, able to detect objects from tens of meters away, and a strong sense of touch. Manatees are also vocal, communicating with chirps, whistles, and squeaks.
Did You Know?
Behavior & Life Cycle
Manatees are migratory but nonaggressive and nonterritorial, usually seen alone, in pairs, or in small groups of six or fewer. Gestation lasts about a year; calves weigh 60–70 pounds at birth and measure 3–4 feet. Mothers help newborns to the surface for their first breath, though calves can swim independently within an hour. Nursing continues for one to two years, and manatees reach sexual maturity around age five. Though typically slow swimmers cruising at 3–5 mph, they can burst to speeds of up to 19 mph.
Closest Living Relatives
Conservation Status
Manatees are listed as endangered or vulnerable depending on the population, and typically live 50–60 years in the wild. Their biggest threat is collision with powerboats — as slow, near-surface swimmers, manatees are especially vulnerable in busy waterways.
Subspecies
- West Indian Manatee
- Trichechus manatus — North American east coast, Florida to Brazil
- Amazonian Manatee
- Trichechus inunguis — Amazon River basin
- African Manatee
- Trichechus senegalensis — West coast and rivers of Africa
Want to meet the rest of the family? Browse the full Species Directory →
