Manatees are slow - moving marine mammals with large paddle shaped tails. Typically, females, called cows, are larger than males or bulls, and can weigh up to 3,500 pounds. Gestation for a female manatee is between twelve and fourteen months and they generally give birth to one calf at a time. The average size of a manatee is closer to 1200 pounds and up to twelve feet in length.
Manatees have a well developed sense of hearing, more in tune to higher frequencies. Studies to date indicate that manatees are near-sighted, considering that manatees frequent areas with turbid water, hearing would be a more valuable asset.
The mouth of a manatee, referred to as the oral disk, is like a shorter version of an elephant’s trunk-prehensile. The muscles in their face allow them to manipulate food into their mouth. They have between six and eight teeth in the four corners of their mouth in the back area only, known as “marching molars”. When a tooth closest to the front wears out, it is replaced by the tooth behind it, so manatees always have a full set of teeth. Vibrissae are the bristle-like hairs you see on their oral disk. They work like “feelers” and help the manatee explore and discern edible material. They also help pull the food inside their mouth.
Manatees have thick skin, but unlike blubber, it does not protect them from very cold water. Their lungs run the length of their body and function independently allowing them to control their buoyancy. Dense ribs, lacking marrow, help them rest easily on the bottom.