manatus Antillean Manatee Trichechus manatus
Distribution and manipulate food and have teeth (molars) that they keep replacing as long as they live. Because they are mammals they must come up for air. Their nostrils are like little valves located at the tip of the snout above the mouth and can remain tightly closed when they dive under water. Manatees can remain submerged for 15 to 20 minutes. Manatees have two front flippers with three nails on each. Their scientific name, Trichechus manatus, means three (tri) and nails (chechus).
Biological Information Family: Trichechidae Order: Sirenia
Description The Antillean manatee is slow moving aquatic mammal. They range in color from gray to brown. The manatees’ reaches adulthood at about six years of age and the oldest in captivity reached over 60 years of age. Adult manatees in Puerto Rico measure about 10 feet (approx. 3 meters) in length and weigh between 1,200 to 2,000 pounds (approx. 544 to 907 kilograms). At birth, calves measure over 3 feet (approx. 1 meter) and weigh between 35 and 60 pounds (approx. 15 to 27 kilograms). Puerto Rican manatees are smaller and more slender than Florida manatees. Sexes are distinguished by the position of the genital openings. Females appear heavier and bulkier than males of the same length. The manatee body is round, tapering into a spoon or paddle-shaped tail. Their body is covered with sparse hairs and their snouts with stiff whiskers called vibrissae that give it another sensory tool. Manatees have unique lips that help them gather, grasp
Reproduction Females are able to reproduce at about 4 to 5 years of age and typically give birth to only one calf but there have been a few cases of twin births. The gestation period of the manatee is about 11-13 months. Calves are completely dependent on maternal care for survival, nursing for up to two years. Habitat Manatees in Puerto Rico inhabit mostly coastal shallow marine areas, but will also occur in fresh water. They may be encountered in canals, rivers, estuaries (the mouth of the rivers) and saltwater bays. Diet Manatees are herbivores, feeding primarily on seagrasses and aquatic plants that grow in shallow coastal waters and rivers. The Antillean manatee feeds primarily on three seagrass species in Puerto Rico: paddle grass (Halodule wrightii), turtle grass (Thalassia testudinum), and manatee grass (Syringodium filiformis). Occasional use of mangrove and accidental ingestion of green algae and hydroids has been reported.
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