Manatees (/ ˈmænətiːz /, family Trichechidae, genus Trichechus) are large, fully aquatic, mostly herbivorous marine mammals sometimes known as sea cows.

Discover facts about manatees, including their habitat, conservation efforts, and legal protections in place to safeguard these gentle aquatic mammals.

Nov 20, 2025 · manatee, (genus Trichechus), any of three species of large slow aquatic mammals found along tropical and subtropical Atlantic coasts and associated inland waters, including the …

Manatees are federally protected under the Endangered Species Act and under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Manatees are large marine mammals with two flippers and a large, …

10 hours ago · When a recent cold snap dropped water temperatures around Florida, hundreds of manatees sought the refuge of warmer water in one of the state’s springs. It’s an adaptation …

A large, round, flattened paddle-shaped tail is used for swimming. Manatees have finely-wrinkled, leathery looking thick skin that continuously flakes off. Algae often grows on the backs and …

Manatees don’t really have any real predators. Sharks or killer whales or alligators or crocodiles could eat them, but since they don’t usually inhabit the same waters, this is pretty rare. Their …

Manatees are aquatic mammals with voracious appetites—spending up to 8 hours a day grazing. Manatees are sometimes called sea cows, and their languid pace lends merit to the …

There are four species of manatee found throughout the world; the West Indian or Florida manatee, the Amazonian manatee, the West African manatee, and the Chinese dugong. …

Manatees are large, plant-eating marine mammals that live in shallow and marshy coastal areas and rivers of the Mesoamerican Reef System. Although they are generally solitary animals, …