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Manatee. Taxonomic Classification. Scientific name: Trichechus manatus Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Mammalia Order: Sirenia. Key Characteristics. Size: 10-13 feet long, 800-1200 pounds Coloration: True color is gray, although they appear brownish-gray
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Taxonomic Classification Scientific name: Trichechusmanatus Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Mammalia Order: Sirenia
Key Characteristics • Size: 10-13 feet long, 800-1200 pounds • Coloration: True color is gray, although they appear brownish-gray • They have no true neck • Their tail looks like a beaver tail • They have patchy hair all over their bodies, with a lot of hair on their snout
Adaptations • They can swim up to 15 mph, but usually only swim 2-6 mph • They have special adaptations they use for diving • These help the manatee conserve oxygen while diving • Manatees are not deep-diving marine mammals like whales and dolphins
Habitat Needs • They need warm tropical or subtropical waters! • West Indian Manatees can live in fresh, salt, or brackish waters. • Amazonian Manatees need fresh water. • All manatees can be found in waters 1 meter or deeper, as long as there is seagrass or other vegetation.
Physiology and Reproduction • Male manatees are sexually mature at about 9-10 years of age, while females are sexually mature at about 3 years of age. • Females are usually larger than the males. • Females do not form permanent bonds with males. • Mating takes place in the water.
Interesting Facts! • Manatees can only breath through their noses • They have to turn their whole body if they want to turn their head around • They are the only aquatic mammal that is an herbivore • Their hind limbs are absent, instead they have a beaver-like tail
Sources http://www.seaworld.org/animal-info/info-books/manatee/physical-characteristics.htm http://www.thejunglestore.com/Manatees Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2wDZ75_66c