West Indian Manatees

The West Indian manatee inhabits shallow rivers, estuaries and saltwater bays of the Caribbean and Atlantic. This marine mammal may reach twelve feet in length and tip the scales at 1,200 pounds. The species is both nocturnal and diurnal, though Costa Rican manatees are believed to be most active at twilight and after sunset. West Indian manatees have a large, bulbous snout, a flattened tale, two front flippers, and gray or brown skin. Their closest living relatives are the elephant and the hyrax.

Last updated: Nov 1, 2023