Manatee

Description:

Manatees have a mass of 400 to 550 kilograms (880 to 1,200 lb), and mean length of 2.8 to 3 metres (9.2 to 9.8 ft), with maximums of 3.6 metres (12 ft) and 1,775 kilograms (3,910 lb) seen (the females tend to be larger and heavier). When born, baby manatees have an average mass of 30 kilograms (66 lb). They have a large flexible prehensile upper lip. They use the lip to gather food and eat, as well as using it for social interactions and communications. Manatees have shorter snouts than their fellow sirenians, the dugongs. Their small, widely-spaced eyes have eyelids that close in a circular manner. The adults have no incisor or canine teeth, just a set of cheek teeth, which are not clearly differentiated into molars and premolars. Its tail is paddle-shaped.

Habitat:

This was taken in a canal in Miami Shores Florida. Sadly the manatees are in danger of speed boats in this area. They are often spotted in coastal waters with scars on their back made by boat propellers. Manatees love warmer waters and generally cruise close to shore looking for vegetation to eat.