Vibrissae: Tactile Hairs The manatee’s ‘whiskers’ provide sensory information. Its skin is wrinkled with a sparse cover of hair and sometimes has patches of algae growing on it. The West Indian manatee is usually grey, but color variations from light brown to black exist. It propels itself through the water with a big, paddle-shaped tail. The flippers on either side of its body each have three or four nails. The West Indian manatee has an elongated body shape typical of aquatic mammals. What Does the West Indian Manatee Look Like? The Antillean manatee is typically found in the Caribbean, as well as in the northern and northeastern coasts of South America. The Florida manatee is usually found along the Florida coast and the Gulf Coast. Two subspecies of West Indian manatee are recognized: the Florida manatee Trichechus manatus latirostris (also known as the North American manatee), and the Antillean manatee ( Trichechus manatus manatus) (also known as the Caribbean manatee). You can see manatees in the wild in the video below: You can find out about dugongs here: Dugong Facts.Ĭonfused by terms such as ‘families’ and ‘orders’? Check out our Animal Classification page and all will become clear! West Indian Manatee Video The only other living species in this order is the dugong. The sea cow family is part of the order Sirenia. The other two members of Trichechidae are the Amazonian manatee Trichechus inunguis and the West African manatee Trichechus senegalensis. The scientific name for the sea cow family is Trichechidae. This family of aquatic mammals is sometimes known as “ sea cows” because they move slowly through the water while grazing on aquatic plants, resembling their land-based namesakes. The West Indian manatee is the largest of the three living manatee species. Meet The West Indian Manatee: Introduction Florida manatee – a subspecies of West Indian manatee. Other interesting West Indian Manatee facts: The molars of a West Indian manatee are called “marching molars” because they are replaced several times during the animal’s life.Weight: 200 to 600kg (440 to 1,320lb), females are larger than males.Where Found: Along the coast of Florida, the Gulf Coast and the Caribbean.West Indian manatee facts: learn about these gentle aquatic giants with awesome pictures and in-depth information … West Indian Manatee
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |