Manatees are marine mammals that need to come to the surface to breathe air. They have a unique respiratory system that allows them to stay submerged for extended periods. Manatees have a large lung capacity and can hold their breath for up to 20 minutes. They also have a special flap in their throat that prevents water from entering their lungs when they are underwater.
When manatees come to the surface to breathe, they take in a deep breath through their nostrils, which are located on the top of their head. They then exhale slowly and forcefully through their blowhole, which is a small opening on the top of their head.
How do manatees get water?
Manatees get most of their water from the food they eat. They eat a variety of plants, including seagrasses, algae, and mangrove leaves. These plants are all high in water content, and manatees can extract the water they need from them.
Manatees also drink saltwater, but they do not drink very much. They only drink saltwater when they are dehydrated or when they are in an area with no fresh water.
Manatees are able to survive in a variety of habitats, including estuaries, rivers, and bays. They are found in warm waters around the world, but they are most common in the southeastern United States and the Caribbean.