AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN VUInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Vulnerable — at high risk of extinction if the current adverse conditions continue.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Trichechus manatus
West Indian Manatee
Linnaeus, 1758
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
Large and slow aquatic mammal, gray in color with a cylindrical body.
Added by
Gerardo Venegas
Reviewed by
Under Review
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
Other Names (Global)Regional and multilingual names used for this species across different countries and languages.
Vaca marina
Sea cowManatí de las Antillas
Peixe-boiTaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Mammalia
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Sirenia
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Trichechidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Trichechus
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Linnaeus, 1758
Record Completeness
95%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Decreasing
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Herbivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Inhabits rivers, estuaries, and shallow coastal waters with vegetation.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Spends most of its time feeding and resting.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Generally solitary or in small mother-calf family groups.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Herbivores. Eat a wide variety of aquatic plants and algae.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Helps keep waterways clear by consuming excess vegetation.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Low reproductive rate; a single calf every 2 to 5 years.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
270.0 - 350.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
400.00 kg - 600.00 kg
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.1 - 1
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).No
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
3 - 5 Years
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
12 - 14
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males50 - 60 Years
Females50 - 60 Years
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Long lungs to control buoyancy with precision.
Sensory vibrissae on the snout that allow them to detect changes in currents and textures.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Collisions with motorboats in coastal areas.
Loss of coastal habitat and degradation of water quality.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
They are closely related to elephants.
Their teeth are continuously replaced throughout their lives, a process called polyphyodonty.