Manatee Facts

Average Manatee 10ft long weighing 800-1200 pounds.

They have been known to reach 13 ft and 3500 pounds.

When born they are 3-4 ft long and 60-70 pounds.

Manatees are herbivores meaning plant eating animals.

Manatees replace worn teeth throughout their lifetime.

Manatees have fairly good vision and can distinguish between colors.

Manatees cannot survive in temperatures below 68 degrees (20 Celsius).

Manatees spend 6-8 hours a day feeding.

Manatees surface for air every 3-5 minutes.

Manatees do not form permanent bonds when breeding.

When resting, Manatees can stay submerged up to 20 minutes.

Females mature for breeding at about 5 years old and 8 years old for males.

On average one calf is born every 5 years.

Gestation period is about 1 year long.

Mothers nurse young for up to 2 years.

Manatees may live as long as 60 years.

Manatees do not have eyelashes.

Manatees prefer water 3-7 feet deep.

Manatees range from Virginia to Texas and one was documented in Rhode Island. (Very rare).

Manatees eat 10% to 15% of their body weight each day.
©2005 Manatee Swim Tours