Also called the sea cow, the manatee is the only herbivorous mammal specially designed to live its entire life in the water.
The Florida manatee is at home in saltwater, as well as fresh water.
The manatee is a slow swimmer, averaging a speed of about three to five miles per hour.
Fortunately, the manatee has no natural predators .
Avoiding collisions with speed boats, however, is another story.
Many manatees look like the one in this painting - with extensive scarring on their backs - caused by boat's propellers.