Student Article

Let’s learn about manatees, the gentle giants of the sea!

Meet the mellow manatee

Manatees are gentle animals that spend most of their time swimming slowly and eating seagrasses. They belong to a group called Sirenia, and their closest living relatives are elephants!

Three species, one gentle giant

There are three species: the West Indian manatee, the African manatee, and the Amazonian manatee. The West Indian species includes the Florida manatee, often found in warm U.S. waters, and the Caribbean manatee, that lives from the Bahamas to Brazil. The Amazonian manatee lives only in fresh-water rivers and lakes, while African manatees live along the west coast of Africa.

How big are manatees?

Manatees are large, usually growing up to 10 feet and weighing around 1,000 pounds. Amazonian manatees are a bit smaller, reaching about 8 feet. They have round bodies, paddle-shaped tails, and rough, wrinkly skin.

Manatees are hungry helpers

These animals are herbivores and eat underwater plants like eelgrass. By grazing so much, they help keep plant growth in balance, which supports the whole ecosystem.

A slow swim into motherhood

During mating season, a female manatee is followed by several males. She may mate with more than one, but usually gives birth to just one calf, which she cares for for over a year.

Trouble in their waters

Manatees are listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN. They are threatened by boat strikes, pollution, and loss of their natural habitats. In Florida, conservation projects are restoring their food sources and cleaning the water. Special speed zones for boats have also been created to help protect them.

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