Fun facts about non-mystical manatees

Since manatees are mammals they cannot breathe underwater

Manatees usually come up for air every 3-4 minutes but have been known to hold their breath for up to 20 minutes

With a single breath manatees can replace 90% of the air in their lungs – humans, by comparison replace just 10%

Manatees are gentle, nonaggressive animals and spend most of their time alone

Manatees are also known as sea cows

A manatee is related to the elephant

On average manatees weigh between 800-1,300 pounds

Manatees have 2,000 thick,whisker-like hairs called vibrissae on their faces,

and 3,000 on their bodies

Manatees live to be between 40-60 years old

Manatees are herbivores meaning they only eat plants

Manatees eat turtle grass, different types of algae, water hyacinth and other types of plants in the water

Manatees eat around 100 pounds of food every day

Manatees have 2 paddle-like flippers one on each side of their body and a large flat tail

Manatees communicate with other manatees by making chirping, whistling and squeaking sounds

Manatees are typically found in shallow coastal areas and rivers

Manatees live in the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea, Amazon Basin and West Africa

Manatees are slow swimmers -they usually swim between 3-5 mph

Manatees can swim up to 20 mph for very short distances

Manatees travel between 40-50 miles every day