![Picture](/uploads/4/5/9/5/45955441/5409704.jpg?1430336617)
Manatees spend their time in the water, using two large grey flippers located near the anterior of the body and a large, flattened tail to propel them through the water.
Manatees usually swim about 5 to 8 kilometers per hour (3 to 5 mph) but they have been known to be able to reach about 30 kilometers an hour (20 mph) in short bursts.
The manatee swims with up and down (dorsoventral) motions of its body and fluke. This motion is similar to that of cetaceans such as dolphins and whales. Fish and seals, on the other hand, swim with side to side motions.
Manatees usually swim about 5 to 8 kilometers per hour (3 to 5 mph) but they have been known to be able to reach about 30 kilometers an hour (20 mph) in short bursts.
The manatee swims with up and down (dorsoventral) motions of its body and fluke. This motion is similar to that of cetaceans such as dolphins and whales. Fish and seals, on the other hand, swim with side to side motions.