West Indian Manatee

The West Indian, or Caribbean, manatee is found in rivers and coastal waters from the southeastern United States and the Gulf of Mexico to the Caribbean Sea and northeastern Brazil. The manatee is popularly called a sea cow because it grazes on marine grasses and other water plants, to the extent that this helps to clear plant-clogged river channels used for irrigation and transportation. An adult manatee grazes for 6 to 8 hours per day, consuming an amount equal to between 5 and 10 percent of its body weight. Manatees live in small family groups, although they occasionally travel in herds of 15 to 20. In ancient times, manatees were often mistaken for mermaids when seen at a distance by sailors.