Fun Facts About Manatees in Crystal River, Florida
A manatee, often referred to as a “gentle giant of the sea,” is a large, herbivorous marine mammal that belongs to the order Sirenia. These fascinating creatures are known for their unique appearance and characteristics:
APPEARANCE
Manatees are typically large, slow-moving mammals with stout bodies covered in thick, wrinkled, grayish-brown skin. They have paddle-like flippers, a rounded tail, and no external earlobes.
BEHAVIOR
Manatees are known for their peaceful and slow-paced nature. They spend much of their time grazing on underwater vegetation, and they are often observed resting or sleeping.
DIET
They are herbivores, primarily feeding on aquatic plants, sea grasses, and freshwater vegetation. A manatee can consume up to 10% of its body weight in vegetation daily.
HABITAT
Manatees are primarily found in warm, shallow coastal waters, rivers, and estuaries of tropical and subtropical regions, particularly in the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and parts of Florida.
SIZE
Adult manatees can reach lengths of up to 13 feet (4 meters) and weigh as much as 3,500 pounds (1,600 kilograms), making them one of the largest herbivorous aquatic animals.