Sea Cow

Sea Cow

Sea cows are mammals that live in tropical waters. They have large, thick bodies with flippers and a tail. The flippers help them swim in water and move food towards the mouth. Dugongs and manatees are sea cows. Dugongs have a fluked tail while manatees have around, paddle-shaped tail.

Sea Cow Food

Some sea cows eat algae and floating plants while others often eat shellfish and dead fish. Adult sea cows can eat about 13.6 kilograms (about 30 pounds) of food in a day.

Sea Cow Size

Dogongs grow up to 3 meters (about 10 feet) in length and weigh about 400 kilograms (about 880 pounds). Manatees may grow up to be more than 4 meters (13 feet) in length and weigh 400 to 500 kilograms (880 to 1,100 pounds). The Florida manatee is the largest manatee. It can grow up to 4.6 meters (about 15 feet) in length and weigh 1,600 to 1,700 kilograms (3,520-3740 pounds).

Manatee

Manatees are slow moving, gentle animals. They are often seen body-surfing or barrel-rolling while playing. They communicate with each other by squealing under water to show fear or excitement. Manatees generally spend most of their time eating and relaxing.

Dugong

Adult dugong males have two small tusks, which they use in fighting with each other. They also have sensitive bristles on their large snout. They use them to find sea grass.

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