Mammal · GBIF taxon 2435297
Florida Manatee
Trichechus manatus latirostrisAlso known as Florida Sea Cow, North American Manatee
Florida manatees are gentle, slow-moving aquatic mammals that graze on submerged vegetation in coastal bays, rivers, and warm spring sanctuaries. During winter, hundreds gather near natural springs and warm-water discharge canals to survive cold spells. Mother manatees nurse their calves for up to two years, maintaining close vocal bonds through high-pitched squeaks and chirps.
AquaticHerbivoreMammal
—observations
—countries
—peak records
VulnerableConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXVulnerableRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Seagrass
- Eelgrass
- Water Hyacinth
Predators
- Tiger Shark
- Bull Shark
ThreatsWatercraft strikes, loss of warm-water habitat, toxic algae blooms
HabitatsCoastal waters, estuaries, rivers, warm spring runs
Life span50–60 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyTrichechidae
- SpeciesTrichechus manatus latirostris
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskHigh
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is high
- Large size poses a risk if startled; maintain a safe distance and never crowd or pursue.
- Why it is dangerous
- Large physical size can cause accidental injury if an animal thrashes when crowded or cornered.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Gray, barrel-shaped body with a flat paddle-tail, short whiskers, and surface breathing nostrils.
- What to do
- Keep a distance of at least 15 meters and never cross between a mother and her calf.
- What to notice
- Distinguished by slow swimming near the surface, rounded tail paddle, and floating snout tips.
- Support conservation
- Observe quietly from docks, kayaks, or land without chasing, feeding, or disrupting natural movements.
Responsible observation
- Give Space: Keep at least 15 meters away to prevent disturbing feeding or resting behavior.
- Look, Don't Touch: Avoid touching or riding manatees, which is strictly prohibited by federal law.
- Paddle Quietly: Approach slow-speed zones cautiously in kayaks to observe without startling them.
Parent Species (c) U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Headquarters, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Co-Inhabitant no rights reserved, uploaded by Vijay Barve · cc0
Close Relative (c) Dan Lundberg, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Distant Relative Gejuni / CC BY-SA 3.0 de · cc-by-sa
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