There are around 13,000 manatees in the world, and around 6,500 of these are in the U.S.
Manatees are distinctive thanks to their egg-shaped faces, round bodies, and flat tails. Perhaps you’ve heard about these sea mammals, but you know little about them.
Sounds like you? Don’t worry, you’ve come to the right place. Here are 10 facts about manatees you need to know.
1. The Name Comes From a Carib Word
“What are manatees?” You ask. These are giant, fully aquatic creatures that graze on vegetation for eight hours every day.
Many people get confused between sea cow vs. manatee, so it’s important to note that the name comes from a Carib term that means “udder,” which explains the cow reference.
2. Manatees Live in Shallow Coastal Areas
Once you’re familiar with the manatees vs sea cows issue, it’s time to cover their habitat. These sea mammals are often found in shallow coastal areas where they munch on mangrove leaves and algae. Plus, another popular manatee habitat is in rivers.
3. Have Smooth Brains
Looking for cool facts about manatees? Then, know these creatures have smooth brains. This contrasts with our own, which have folds and grooves.
4. Closest Living Relatives Are Elephants
Manatees are part of the sirenian family, and the closest living relatives are elephants. Fossils show that sea cows have evolved from their land mammal counterparts. Plus, another group are dugongs that look like manatees.
5. Have Whiskers
Otherwise known as vibrissae, sea cows have these whiskers. Adults have around two thousand on their faces and three thousand on their bodies. These help the manatee know its surroundings.
6. Manatees Are the Ocean’s Largest Herbivores
One of the most interesting manatee facts is that these are the largest sea herbivores. Adults can grow up to 13 feet long. Plus, sea cows can weigh around 1,300 pounds.
7. Nearsighted Creatures
A distinctive feature of manatees is their eyesight. Unlike other creatures, manatees are nearsighted. They can also only see in the blue, green, and gray spectrum.
8. Manatees Can Hold Their Breath for 20 Minutes
Although manatees rise to the surface every few minutes, these creatures can hold their breath for 20 minutes. This is because their large lung capacity lets them absorb more oxygen.
Further, manatees replace 90% of the air, whereas humans only do 10%.
9. Females Have One Calf Every Two to Five Years
Female manatees have a calf every few years and then stay with their offspring for another two. Calves nurse from their mother’s teats initially. But, after several weeks, the young learn how to nibble on plants.
10. Only Predators Are Humans
Thanks to their large size, manatees have no natural predators. Unfortunately, only humans put these creatures at risk. This is because of boat collisions.
Top Facts About Manatees
Hopefully, after reading these facts about manatees, you know more about these magical creatures.
Manatees are the ocean’s largest herbivores, thrive in shallow coastal areas, and are related to elephants. These creatures are also docile and can hold their breath underwater for an extended period. What’s not to love?
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