The manatee, Trichechus manatus manatus, also often called the "sea cow", is a mammal which lives in the coastal areas and rivers of South America.
Profile
Vulnerable (VU)
Lifestyle
The manatee spends between six and eight hours a day eating. In captivity, it ingests 8 - 10% of its weight, which corresponds to over 50 kg of plants per individual. The manatee grazes on the seabed using its downward-pointing snout and its split upper lip. When resting, the manatee comes up to the surface to breathe every two to three minutes and stays underwater for just a few minutes to find its food.
Distinctive features
It has no hind legs, but pushes itself forward with its tail. Its skin constantly "peels" and algae does not become attached to it. The female’s teats swell when she is suckling her young.
Anecdote
The manatee belongs to the Sirenia order, referring to the sirens or mermaids of Greek and Scandinavian mythology, which sailors thought they were when they saw them for the first time.
