Get to know the Manatee, the Largest Herbivorous Animal in the Sea All

KOMPAS.com – Hewan manatee, which is also called sea ​​cow, is a large sea creature and is usually found in coastal waters.

Moving by their powerful tail, the manatee usually swims at a speed of 8 km per hour.

Manatees are usually seen alone, in pairs, or in small groups of six or fewer manatees.

From above the water’s surface, the animal’s nose and nostrils are often the only things visible.

Manatees never leave the water but, like all marine mammals, they must breathe air at the surface.

Also read: 4 Causes of Sea Animals Often Stranded on the Beach According to Scientists

A resting manatee can stay in the water for up to 15 minutes.

But while swimming, he has to emerge every three or four minutes for a breath of air.

Reported from National Geographic, There are three species of manatees, which are distinguished by their place of residence, namely:

1. Manatee India Barat

The West Indian manatee species is distributed along the east coast of North America, from Florida to Brazil.

2. Manatee Amazon

The Amazonian manatee species can be found in the waters of the Amazon River.

Also read: Many Marine Animals Are Injured Due to Stranding, Indonesian Veterinarians Form a Rehabilitation Unit

3. Manatee Afrika

African manatee species swim along the west coast and rivers of Africa.

Manatee pet food

Baby manatees drink milk from their mother, but as adults, they are voracious grazers.

With their large bodies, manatees are considered the largest herbivores in the ocean.

Generally, manatees feed on aquatic grasses, weeds, and algae.

A manatee can eat a tenth of its weight in just 24 hours.

Also read: Flying Fish Facts, Sea Animals That Have Wings

Threats to manatee populations

Manatees are large, slow-moving animals that are often found in coastal waters and rivers.

This makes them vulnerable to hunters looking for their skin, oil, and bones. Manatee numbers have also declined over the last century, largely due to hunting.

In addition, manatees are also often accidentally hit by motorboats in increasingly crowded waters or sometimes become entangled in fishing nets.

Although the population is protected by law, manatees face threats to this day.

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