Manatee JunctionTM
Sirenia Vitals & Statistics
Life Span
Life span unknown! Studies indicate between 60 and 70 years. Snooty, the resident Florida Manatee at the South Florida Museum in Bradenton, has lived to be over 40 years of age.
Reproduction
Manatees begin breeding between five and ten years of age. Based primarily upon field observation, the gestation period appears to be between twelve and thirteen months long. Most births are of a single calf, but twins are not unknown. In fact, a manatee cow can feed two calves, one on each of two nipples, located behind each of the flippers.
Do you think the sight of a nursing manatee cow and calf spawned the tail of mermaids? Man, those sailors must have been at sea for a very looooong time!
Predators
The manatee has no significant predator. Mortality is mainly from other natural or human-related causes. Although there have been no reported cases, it possible that sharks, alligators, and crocodiles may attack manatees.
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