West Indian and West African manatees spend their lives between salt and fresh water. They are able to maintain the correct balance in their bodies through an internal regulation system that works with their kidney to make sure their salt concentrations never get too high.
Warm water is required for West African and West Indian manatees. With a low metabolic rate and minimal fat protection from cold water, they stick to water that is above 60 degrees.
Manatees go to the surface of the water every three to five minutes although they can hold their breathe for longer.
The Amazonian manatee live entirely in freshwater rivers throughout South America in the Amazon Basin. It is hard to estimate their numbers due to their secretive nature the murky water they often live in.
Here is a video of a manatee in close contact with a human: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SumYGKbQXGE
And here is an educational video of the West Indian manatee: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rX3R5D4AStM
Warm water is required for West African and West Indian manatees. With a low metabolic rate and minimal fat protection from cold water, they stick to water that is above 60 degrees.
Manatees go to the surface of the water every three to five minutes although they can hold their breathe for longer.
The Amazonian manatee live entirely in freshwater rivers throughout South America in the Amazon Basin. It is hard to estimate their numbers due to their secretive nature the murky water they often live in.
Here is a video of a manatee in close contact with a human: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SumYGKbQXGE
And here is an educational video of the West Indian manatee: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rX3R5D4AStM