Description: Gray-brown walrus-shaped sea cow. Two small front flippers with three to four nails each are used for steering or crawling on the ocean floor. The flat, horizontal tail pumps up and down to move them along. Small eyes, no ears on the outside and nostrils at the tip of their prickly muzzles. Almost all manatees have scars on their tails and backs from collision with boats and barges. Scientists use these scar patterns to identify them.

Habitat: Warm, shallow rivers, bays, estuaries and coastal waters. Usually don't live in waters that are below 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Often found in the warm waters released by power plants.

Food Source: Manatees are herbivores and eat marine and freshwater plants.

Longevity: 50-60 years in the wild.

Behavior:Gentle, slow-moving, graceful swimmers. Rest and feed often; no defense system. Body surf or barrel roll when playing. Squeal underwater to communicate fear, stress or excitement to one another. Sailors once thought manatees were the mythical sirens, or mermaids, because of their shape and squeals. Surface every ten minutes to breathe. Manatees can hold their breath underwater for up to 20 minutes.

Reproduction: Females can have calves when they are about four years old. One calf is born every 3 to 4 years. Mothers and calves form a strong bond.