Origin
The manatee is a large aquatic mammal also known as the sea cow. This name of the sea cow is attributed to him and the walrus because of their impressive bodies.
There are 3 large species of manatees: Amazonian manatees, West Indian manatees and West African manatees.
The name is assigned to it by the people of the Caribbean, it means chest. Manatees are thought to have evolved from existing four-legged terrestrial animals 60 million years ago, with their closest living relatives being elephants and hydras.
Manatees can be seen in the rivers of the Caribbean Sea, the Gulf of Mexico, West africa or the Amazon basin. They like warmer waters, so they gather in shallow waters. Manatees withstand temperatures of -15 degrees.
Their source of heat in winter is Rivers.
Manatee Food
They are herbivorous animals and eat over 60 different plant species, such as mangrove leaves, dwarf grasses and various types of algae that they tear off with the help of their lips.
An adult usually eats 10% of his body weight per day. They say they were seen eating small amounts of fish, fish caught in nets.
Manatee Appearance
Manatees have an average mass between 400 and 550kg and a length of 3-3. 5 m.females are larger and have a greater body weight than that of males.
They have a flexible upper lip that acts in many ways as a small hand: they gather food with it, interact socially and communicate with other manatees.
The eyes are small and the body shape is similar to that of a potato. It is believed that manatees distinguish colors. Adults have no incisors or canines, just a set of teeth somewhere between molars and premolars.
A unique feature in mammals is that the teeth of the Manatee are constantly changing, they practically believe continuously, some new ones replacing the teeth that fall out.
At one point the manatee has only six teeth on each side of its jaw. The tail has an oval shape. Like horses they have a simple but large stomach in which they hardly digest plants. Their intestines are long.
Manatee Behavior
On average manatees swim at a speed of 5-8 km/h. however they can swim at speeds of 30km/h but over short distances. Manatees are able to learn various complex and advanced Social signs in the long term.
They Emit a wide range of sounds used in communication, especially between mothers and puppies. Adults communicate a lot through contact and smell especially during the mating season.
Manatees have few natural predators. Sharks, crocodiles and alligators are known from predators. All three species are endangered.
Manatee Breeding
Usually female manatees give birth to a cub once every two years.
Gestation lasts 12 months.
After birth, the baby will stay with the mother for 12-18 months.
In general, manatees tend to be solitary animals.
