West Indian Manatee

Natural History

Habitat

Coastal saltwater estuaries, slow-moving rivers, and warm-water refuges — they cannot tolerate sustained water temperatures below ~20°C.

Diet

Herbivore: seagrass, freshwater plants, and algae — up to 10% of their body weight per day.

Lifespan

40 to 60 years.

Behavior

Generally solitary but congregate at warm-water sources in winter. Surface to breathe every few minutes; can hold their breath for up to 20 minutes when resting.

Classroom Facts

• Manatees grow new teeth throughout their lives, with old teeth falling out from the front as new ones come in from the back.
• A manatee can weigh over 500 kg but is so well-adapted to floating that it barely uses energy to stay afloat.
• Mother manatees nurse calves underwater from teats located near their flippers.