Where do West Indian manatees live?
Where do West Indian manatees live?
Antillean manatees are found in the Caribbean, in the Gulf and Caribbean coasts of Central America, and in northern and eastern South America. West Indian manatees prefer shallow, slow-moving waters of rivers, estuaries, saltwater bays, canals, and coastal areas.
What is the range of a manatee?
The range of the Florida manatee is primarily peninsular Florida but extends as far north as Rhode Island. Manatees have been rescued near Houston, Texas, and Mississippi. Antillean manatees have a patchy distribution throughout the Caribbean, Mexico, and northeastern South America.
Are West Indian manatees native to Florida?
The Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris) is a subspecies of the West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus) that lives in and is native to Florida.
How far north do manatees live?
1. Manatees can swim as far north as Cape Cod. While most manatees spend the summer months in the Gulf of Mexico, some vacation all the way up in Cape Cod waters.
Do manatees have a life cycle?
Manatees have four stages in their life cycle: fetus (unborn baby), young manatee, adult, and breeding adult. Typically, manatees only give birth to one baby about every two years. Manatees can have very long lives. In captivity they have lived more than sixty years!
How big do manatee get?
9-10 feet long
Adult manatees are typically 9-10 feet long from snout to tail and weigh around 1,000 pounds; however, they may grow to over 13 feet long and weigh more than 3,500 pounds.
Do manatees go on land?
Manatees never go on land. Manatees don’t always need to breathe. As they swim, they poke their nose up above the water’s surface to catch a few breaths every few minutes. If they are simply resting, they can stay under the water for 15 minutes without taking a breath, according to National Geographic.
What are manatees lifespan?
Manatees can swim up to 20 miles per hour in short bursts, but they usually only swim about three to five miles per hour. Lifespan, Mortality, and Population: The Florida manatee has no natural enemies, and it is believed they can live 60 years or more.
How long does a manatee live?
Manatees reach sexual maturity in 3-5 years (females) and 5-7 years (males) and may live over 65 years in captivity. Gestation is approximately 13 months and usually one calf is born.
