Trichechus manatus

This is a slow-moving mammal with a rounded body, gray to brown skin with fine sparse hair, small head, squarish snout with a deeply split upper lip, valvular nostrils, small eyes, flexible flippers, and a large rounded horizontally flattened tail. Adults usually are about 10-13 feet (300-400 cm) in total length. Newborn calves are about 3-4 feet (1 meter) long.

Range encompasses rivers, estuaries, and coastal areas of subtropical and tropical areas of northern South America, West Indies/Caribbean region, Gulf of Mexico, and southeastern North America (mainly Florida).

In Florida, manatees occur in freshwater, brackish, and marine environments. Typical habitats include coastal tidal rivers and streams, freshwater springs, and coastal seagrass beds. Manatees are not averse to traveling through dredged canals or using quiet marinas. Feeding often occurs in shallow grass beds with ready access to deep channels. Manatees drink from springs and freshwater runoff sites. Mating, calving, and care of young often occur in secluded canals, creeks, embayments, and lagoons.

In North America north of Florida, this species is mainly a migrant or irregular visitor. In Florida, manatees may migrate southward for winter; seasonal migrations of up to 530 miles (850 kilometers) to wintering areas have been documented, and migrations of 125-190 miles (200-300 kilometers) are usual along the Atlantic coast. This species exhibits a promiscuous mating system. Gestation lasts about 12-14 months. One young (rarely 2) is born in spring/early summer (usually). Young are weaned in 1-2 years. The interval between successive births for an individual female is 3-5 years (though 2 years if the calf is lost early). Newly mature individuals often do not successfully rear young.