1. Aquatic Plants: Amazonian manatees are herbivorous and primarily consume aquatic plants. Their diet consists of a variety of plants found in the rivers and lakes of the Amazon basin. Some common plants they feed on include water hyacinth, water lettuce, and Amazon sword.
2. Algae and Biofilm: Manatees also feed on algae and biofilm that grow on rocks, logs, and other submerged surfaces. They graze on these algae to supplement their diet and obtain essential nutrients.
3. Fruits and Leaves: Occasionally, Amazonian manatees may consume fruits and leaves that fall into the water from overhanging vegetation. They are not their primary food source, but they can contribute to their diet.
4. Opportunistic Feeding: Manatees have been observed feeding on other food items, such as fish, crustaceans, and even carrion, if they encounter them. However, these are not their usual dietary preferences.
It's important to note that manatees are slow-moving animals and must consume large quantities of plants to meet their energy requirements. They can spend up to eight hours a day feeding to maintain their massive body weight.