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

Dec 31, 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, …

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

Jan 5, 2026 · Manatees remain among the most charismatic 'canaries' in Indian River Lagoon's ecological ‘coal mine.’ In 2025, they kept singing underwater warnings.

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 …

Manatees are the roly-poly “teddy bears” of the sea. They are also known as sea cows, but despite this nickname, they are more closely related to elephants. These large, gray aquatic …

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 play a very important role in maintaining a healthy and balanced ecosystem. Because of how much sea grass manatees consume, the grass stays short. This allows the health of …

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 …