- Large, slow-moving aquatic mammal with a streamlined, cylindrical body.
- Average length of 10 to 13 feet (3 to 4 meters).
- Weight ranging from 800 to 1,200 pounds (360 to 540 kilograms).
- Dark gray to brown in coloration, with a lighter underside.
Body Shape:
- Manatees have a rounded head with a prominent upper lip that overhangs the lower lip, forming a "split-lip" appearance.
- The nostrils are located on the top of the head, allowing them to breathe while most of their body remains submerged.
- Their flippers are paddle-like and primarily used for steering and maneuvering.
- The tail is flattened horizontally, shaped like a large paddle or spatula.
Facial Features:
- Manatees have small eyes located on the sides of their head.
- Their whiskers, known as vibrissae, are located around the mouth and on the chin. These whiskers are sensitive and help the manatee navigate, find food, and interact with its environment.
Other Notable Features:
- Manatees have thick skin, which helps protect them from injury.
- They are herbivorous, mainly feeding on seagrass and other aquatic plants.
- Manatees are gentle and social animals, often living in groups called "herds" or "aggregations."
Variations among Species:
- There are three species of manatees: the West Indian manatee, the Amazonian manatee, and the African manatee.
- Each species has slight variations in size, coloration, and habitat.
- The West Indian manatee is the most commonly recognized and is found in coastal waters and rivers of the Caribbean Sea, the Gulf of Mexico, and Central and South America.
Manatees are often referred to as "sea cows" due to their large size, gentle nature, and primarily vegetarian diet. They play an essential role in their ecosystems by controlling the growth of aquatic plants and contributing to the overall health of the marine environment.