Manatee
Manatees are large, slow-moving sea mammals that live in warm shallow coasts, rivers and canals. They breathe air and feed on underwater plants.
Key numbers
West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus)
| Length | 2.7–4 m (9–13 ft)(fws.gov) |
|---|---|
| Weight | 0.5–1.6 metric tons (1,000–3,500 lb)(fws.gov) |
| Lifespan (wild) | 30 years(animaldiversity.org) |
| Lifespan (human care) | 28–30 years(animaldiversity.org) |
| Top speed | up to 24 km/h (15 mph)(fws.gov) |
| Diet | Eats seagrasses and other water plants, feeding up to about 8 hours a day and taking in as much as 10% of its body weight daily.(fws.gov) |
| Habitat | Ocean: Southeastern US through eastern Mexico, Central and South America and the Caribbean to Brazil; in warm months Florida manatees can reach Massachusetts or Texas.(fws.gov) |
| Conservation status | Vulnerable(animaldiversity.org) |
Our full manatee profile is on the way. Meanwhile, see it next to a person, to scale.