Vulnerable
Manatee (West Indian)
Trichechus manatus
7 of 25
About
The West Indian manatee is a large, gentle marine mammal known as the 'sea cow'. They are slow-moving and spend most of their time grazing on aquatic plants.
Habitat
Coastal waters, rivers, and springs of the southeastern United States, Caribbean, and northern South America
Diet
Herbivorous - seagrasses and freshwater plants
7 of 25
Fun Facts
- Manatees can weigh up to 1,300 pounds (600 kg) and reach lengths of 13 feet (4 meters).
- They have no natural predators but are threatened by human activities such as boat strikes and habitat loss.
- Manatees can hold their breath for up to 20 minutes but usually surface every 3-5 minutes to breathe.
Conservation
StatusVulnerable
Share
Share:
Ask AI About Manatee (West Indian)
Animal AI Assistant
OnlineAI-powered responses · Natural conversation flow